The Ikamba was safely towed from Kamsar in Guinea to Shekou in Shenzen over a period of 10 weeks.

The vessel will now undergo six to eight weeks of docking refurbishments at a cost of about $6.21 million.

The OFT is the central plank in Metro's plans to expand operations at Skardon River to 7 million tonnes per annum capacity, by 2024.

Metro bought the Ikamba in a joint venture with shipping company Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.

Under the scope of the JV, Louis Dreyfus is contracted to manage towing and dry-docking activities.

Metro Mining chief executive officer and managing director Simon Wensley said the JV team was working with the shipyard to plan and execute the drydocking as efficiently as possible to stay on schedule for arrival in Australia before the end of November.

Wensley said Metro had also reached a deal with Singapore shipping company Eng Hup Shipping to buy the Eng Hup Herald, a $3.18 million tugboat.

The tug will be responsible for manoeuvring the OFT.

Wensley said cash reserves would be used to fund the acquisition.

"The safe arrival and commencement of the dry-docking of our OFT Ikamba is another significant aspect in the implementation of our expansion project," he said.

"The acquisition of the tug Eng Hup Herald builds our asset base and capabilities to implement the expansion and also aligns with Metro's long-term strategic objectives to support our growth in the marine industry over the coming years."