Having been privileged to be aboard Iron Pacific when this event took place as so far as comparisons with the QM2 go:
Iron Pacific (1986) 118,491 grt, 231,851 dwt, 315.02m LOA, 55.73m Breadth, 18.421m Summer Draught, Engine output 18.242 Kw, (24,800 bhp), 13.5 Knots
Queen Mary 2 (2003) 148,528 grt, 19,189 dwt 345m LOA; 41.1m Breadth,
10.0m Summer Draught Engine output Power: 117 MW (157,000 bhp) 29 knots

QM2 Has a far higher GRT, i.e. Internal Volume measured in tons, and is longer than Iron Pacific which is broader. QM2 probably wins on overall dimensions but it's like trying to compare apples & carrots. Iron Pacific's DWT will probably never be matched. QM2 does have a rather more powerful power plant, Combined Diesel Electric and Gas Turbine electric system. Four diesel engines Wartsila 16V46C, located in the double bottom, which develop 67.200 kW (57 % of the total) and 2 x gas turbines,General Electric LM 2500, which develop 50.000 kW (43 % of the total), located on the highest deck of the ship, just under the funnel. Propulsion is carried out by 4 x 20 MW Mermaid podded propulsion units, two fixed (the forward outside ones) and two steerable through 360º. On maximum power output she could provide the total electrical power needs for the city of Southampton.

Regards Portway Sydney Australia.

Good photo from the era when B.H.P. had its own shipping fleet. At 118,491 grt the IRON PACIFIC was the largest ship to ever enter Sydney Harbour when this photo was taken (1986). However, on Feburary 2007 the liner QUEEN MARY 2 at 148,528 grt entered and berthed, thus breaking this record. Cheers.

Arguably the largest Vessel (Merchantman) to enter and berth in Sydney Harbour.

Regards Portway Sydney Australia.

IMO 8412675

Completed 1986 for BHP. Type Bulk Carrier 1981-1990.
Subsequent History:
98 BERGE PACIFIC

Disposal Data:
BU Chittagong 23.8.11, beached 28.8.11