EMS-Tech is proud to celebrate the successful delivery of WONTANARA, the first of a new class of high-capacity self-unloading transhipment vessels built by CSSC Chengxi Shipyard for the joint venture between Rio Tinto, Chinalco and the Government of Guinea supporting the world-class Simandou Iron Ore Project.
 
The self-unloading system represents a significant milestone for the global bulk material handling and marine industries. Publicly recognized as the world's largest shallow-water transhipment self-unloader, the fastest specialized self-unloading vessel ever built, and the first bidirectional self-unloading vessel of its class, WONTANARA establishes a new benchmark in marine bulk handling capability.
At the heart of this achievement is the complete EMS-Tech designed and supplied self-unloading system, engineered to deliver an unprecedented 12,000 metric tonnes per hour of iron ore—currently the highest unloading capacity of any self-unloading vessel in operation.
 
The integrated system includes:
• Two of the largest ‘C’ Loop conveyors ever placed into commercial operation, surpassing the previous record-setting C-Loop system designed and supplied by EMS-Tech only two years earlier.
• Two high-capacity luffing, slewing and shuttling shiploaders.
• Two reversible tunnel conveyors, allowing full operational redundancy.
• A series of EMS-Tech patented feeder gates, specifically developed to maximize throughput and maintain consistent material flow during high-capacity unloading operations.
 
Designed specifically for the demanding operating environment of Guinea's Simandou Project, the system combines industry-leading unloading performance with the reliability and redundancy required for continuous transhipment operations.
 
 
 
This delivery follows several landmark projects completed by EMS-Tech in recent years, including world-leading self-unloading and transhipment systems delivered for ArcelorMittal and Mineral Resources, further strengthening the company's reputation as one of the world's foremost designers of large-scale marine bulk material handling systems.

For nearly four decades, EMS-Tech has specialized exclusively in the design, engineering and delivery of high-performance bulk material handling systems for the global mining and marine sectors. From self-unloading vessels and floating transhipment systems to shiploaders, stackers, reclaimers, mobile hoppers and complete turnkey conveying systems, EMS-Tech continues to push the boundaries of engineering innovation and operational performance.

"The delivery of WONTANARA is much more than the completion of another material handling system; it represents years of collaboration, innovation and trust between exceptional organizations around the world. To see a project of this scale become reality is something our entire team takes enormous pride in. It demonstrates what can be achieved when owners, shipbuilders, suppliers and engineers work together with a common vision. We believe this vessel establishes a new global benchmark for self-unloading technology and we're excited to see it begin operations when it arrives in Guinea."
— Kyle Sorensen, Director, Business Development & Marine System Sales, EMS-Tech

EMS-Tech extends its sincere appreciation to the many partners, vendors and clients whose commitment and expertise made this project possible.
In particular, EMS-Tech wishes to recognize:
  • CSL Group, whose long-standing commitment to advanced self-unloading technology has helped demonstrate the value these systems bring to global bulk shipping and modern transhipment operations.
  • CSSC Chengxi Shipyard, for more than 20 years of partnership delivering industry-leading self-unloading vessels and continuously advancing marine bulk handling technology.
  • Rio Tinto, for placing their confidence in EMS-Tech's engineering capabilities to deliver one of the most technically ambitious self-unloading systems ever constructed.
The vessel is expected to complete final performance testing and undertake its first iron ore unloading operation in Guinea in the coming months, marking the commencement of commercial operations for the Simandou transhipment fleet. EMS-Tech also looks forward to supporting the delivery and commissioning of the remaining vessels in the series, which are already well advanced in construction and will follow closely behind this historic first delivery.

About EMS-Tech
EMS-Tech Inc. is a Canadian engineering and equipment supply company specializing in high-performance bulk material handling systems for the global mining, marine and industrial sectors. For nearly four decades, EMS-Tech has designed and delivered self-unloading vessel systems, floating transhipment systems, shiploaders, stackers, reclaimers, mobile equipment and complete conveying solutions for clients around the world.

Known for its practical engineering, innovative technology and ability to deliver complex, high-capacity systems, EMS-Tech works closely with shipowners, shipyards, mining companies and operators to transform engineering into productivity.