Brazilian mining giant Vale has resumed operations at Port of Tubarão’s ore and coal terminals, after the port was ordered to shut down due to environmental concerns.
The operations continued as the terminal loaded its shipment aboard the 388,138 dwt Berge Everest, owned by Singapore-based dry bulk company Berge Bulk. The vessel is now on its way to Asia, Berge Bulk said.
The ruling was overturned yesterday, and Brazil’s Federal Regional Tribunal allowed Vale to continue iron ore and coal operations at the ports Pier II and the Praia Mole terminal under the condition that it develops a plan to fix the environmental issues at the port within 60 days.
Namely, the terminals’ activities were suspended in the morning hours of January 21 following a police investigation that found air and water pollution in the surrounding areas of Vale’s coal and iron docks.
Vale said that the shutdown was having a considerable impact on the country’s economy.
World Maritime News Staff