The largest single cargo of iron ore ever shipped from Western Australia’s Port Hedland set sail last week aboard the 300,000 dwt Very Large Ore Carrier HL Tubarao.

The Fortescue Metals Group loaded the vessel which departed the port last Wednesday, March 1, 2017, en route to Gwangyan, South Korea, where it is due later this month.

According to the Pilbara Ports Authority the vessel loaded a total of 270,006 tonnes of iron ore and departed at a record sailing draft of 19.95 meters.

The largest single shipment beats the previous record set by the VLOC CSB Years in April 2015 which loaded a total cargo of 264,858 tonnes. It also beats the previous maximum sailing draft of 19.67 meters set by the vessel Abigail N in February 2015.

The HL Tubarao is operated by South Korea-based HL Shipping Company.

The Pilbara Ports Authority’s authority stretches from the Port of Ashburton to the Port of Port Hedland, and includes the future Ports of Anketell and Cape Preston East.