CSL is pleased to announce a 21-year strategic partnership with BCI Minerals Limited to construct and operate an innovative transhipment vessel supporting the Mardie Salt and Potash Project (Mardie Project).
As part of CSL’s comprehensive transhipment solution, the custom-designed transhipper will handle 5.35 million tonnes of salt and 140,000 tonnes of sulfate of potash annually. Loading will occur at BCI’s jetty loadout facility in Cape Preston, Western Australia, with the vessel navigating 12-15 nautical miles to transfer the cargo to ocean-going ships ranging from Handysize to Newcastle Max.
“We are excited to partner with BCI and lead the development of this custom-built diesel-electric ship, providing a high-performance, safe, and sustainable solution for the Mardie project,” said Louis Martel, President and CEO of The CSL Group. “Aligned with CSL and BCI’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the new ship’s design provides a pathway to achieve our decarbonization targets. Its diesel-electric propulsion system is engineered for potential future conversion to clean fuels or electrification.”
Highlights of the New Vessel include:
- Shallow draft to maximize cargo lift within tide and channel constraints
- Total deadweight of approximately 16,000 metric tonnes
- Gravity discharge capability, suitable for loading salt, sulfate of potash, and other dry bulk commodities onto ocean-going vessels with a deadweight of up to 207,000 tonnes
- High maneuverability with double-ended propulsion
- Four azimuth drives and an integrated diesel-electric propulsion and power system
- Single-point loading system with a loading rate of 3,300 tonnes per hour
- Self-unloading system with a discharge rate of 4,000 tonnes per hour
“BCI Minerals is very pleased to finalize this significant contract with CSL for a vessel specifically designed for the Mardie Salt and Potash Project, providing BCI with a secure and cost-effective shipping solution that delivers real benefits to our operations and customers,” said David Boshoff, Managing Director of BCI Minerals. “CSL’s market-leading reputation for delivering transhipment solutions and their commitment to safety and reliability make them an ideal long-term partner for BCI Minerals.”
Construction of the new vessel will commence in spring 2026, with delivery scheduled for mid-2027. Meanwhile, starting in the second half of 2026, CSL will provide a vessel on time charter to deliver transhipment services to the Mardie Project while the new dedicated vessel is under construction.
About The CSL Group
The CSL Group Inc. (CSL), headquartered in Montreal, Canada, stands as a global leader in marine dry bulk cargo handling and delivery services. With major operating divisions spanning Canada Steamship Lines, CSL Americas, CSL Australia, CSL Asia, CSL Europe, and CSL Transhipment, CSL operates a diversified fleet of specialized self-unloading vessels, offshore transhippers, and Handysize bulk carriers. Annually delivering more than 78 million tonnes of cargo to industrial customers worldwide, CSL employs approximately 1,500 individuals across shipboard and ashore positions. The company’s storied history dates back to 1845, reflecting its longstanding commitment to maritime excellence and sustainability.
Source CSL Group