On August 23, 2023, a momentous occasion took place at the anchorage outside Rizhao Port in Shandong Province. The naming and maiden voyage ceremony of LEONE FORTUNE, a CAPE-size vessel under Leone Rock Metal Group, marked a significant milestone for Leone Rock Metal Group’s iron ore exportation.
Maiden voyage ceremony
Representatives of Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG), the vessel management company and the entire crew gathered with joy and excitement to witness the ceremony of LEONE FORTUNE. This vessel’s specific mission is to ship the iron ore from Sierra Leone to China. The commencement of its maiden voyage signifies the group’s commitment to increasing production capacity and enhancing international competitiveness, contributing to the construction of a complete industrial chain of “production, transportation, and sales.”
The LEONE FORTUNE, with a total length of 289 meters, a width of 45 meters, and a full draft of 18.18 meters, boasts a capacity of 174,000 tons. the vessel is fitted with desulfurization tower equipment, demonstrating its commitment to low carbon emissions and environmental protection.
The successful maiden voyage of LEONE FORTUNE signifies that LRMG has established a crucial link in the entire mining industry chain in Sierra Leone with the global market. This achievement paves the way for the smooth implementation of the second phase of project construction and the realization of LRMG’s five-year development plan. By increasing its own capacity, Leone Rock Metal Group aims to make positive contributions to its long-term and steady development. The emergence of LEONE FORTUNE not only represents growth and expansion but also symbolizes hope and the beginning of a brilliant journey for the company and the mining industry in Sierra Leone.
shareholder representatives, group leaders, leaders of shipping management companies and crew members
The commissioning of LEONE FORTUNE aligns with the grand blueprint for China-Africa cooperation. The ship’s role in transporting Sierra Leonean iron ore to China strengthens the economic ties between the two nations. Leone Rock Metal Group’s vision of becoming an international comprehensive resource development enterprise underscores the importance of this partnership in facilitating growth and prosperity.
The successful maiden voyage not only opens up new opportunities for LRMG but also reinforces the strong bond between China and Sierra Leone. As LEONE FORTUNE embarks on its journey, it sets the stage for future growth and development in both the group and Sierra Leone, further solidifying their position and competitiveness in the global mining industry.
