China-built vessel joins growing FMG fleet

Fortescue Metals Group welcomed its newest addition to the very large ore carrier fleet last week when FMG David made its maiden voyage into Port Hedland.

The newest addition is named after Fortescue founder and chairman Andrew Forrest’s brother, David, and is the sixth vessel to join the fleet.

The vessel was greeted by deputy chief officer Julie Shuttleworth, David Forrest and Port Hedland Seafarers Centre members at a ceremony to celebrate its arrival.

Ms Shuttleworth said the ship would join a fleet that had already increased the efficiency of the FMG port.

“It is fantastic to be here to welcome this vessel to Port Hedland,” she said.

“We are pleased to welcome representatives from the Sea-farers Centre on board FMG David in recognition of the pastoral care services and assistance they provide to the thousands of seafarers who pass through Port Hedland every year.

“At Fortescue, the safety, health and wellbeing of our people is our number one priority and this extends to the ongoing welfare of all crew that arrive at Herb Elliott Port.”

FMG David is the second of four very large ore carriers built at Guangzhou Shipyard International in China after FMG Matilda, which arrived in December last year.