One of World’s Largest Bulk Carriers Enters Oman

Oman Shipping Company’s 400,000 DWT Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), the VALE SOHAR, one of the largest bulk carriers in the world, was welcomed to Oman by members of the North Al Batinah community. The ship’s total length is 360m, with the width of 65m and depth of 30.4m.

This vessel is designed with lower oil consumption and carbide emissions, it is more environmental and energy conserving. Speaking of performance, it is superior to other kinds of ore carriers in the current market, so it is extremely favored by ship-owners.

With the capacity to transport 400,000 tons of minerals and the length of four football fields, the vessel docked at Vale’s deep-water jetty in the Port of Sohar to unload iron ore on its first voyage from Brazil.

His Excellency Sheikh Hilal bin Ali Al Habsi, Wali of Sohar conveyed the feelings of community on this occasion and highlighted the importance of Vale’s contributions to the sustainable development of Oman.

To commemorate the vessel’s arrival, Vale organized a special event for members of the community to visit the Industrial Complex in Liwa. The visitors were met by Rodrigo Elisei, Pelletizing Plant Operation Manager, as well as senior members of Vale’s team.

“With two of our four bulk carriers built by Oman Shipping Company now in service, we are witnessing the start of a new logistics era for the region. Vale Sohar sails from Brazil to Oman, carrying the legacy, history and pride of the Omanis to unveil it to the whole world revealing the strong relationship between Vale and Oman. Although Vale’s history in Oman is still young, however, we can confidently say that this relationship is getting stronger day by day targeting to contribute to the prosperity and development of the Omani economy,” said Rodrigo Elisei.

The two remaining vessels, ‘Vale Shinas’ and ‘Vale Saham’ are currently in the final stages of construction at the Rongsheng Heavy Industries shipyard in China and are scheduled to be handed over during the first quarter of 2013. The first vessel to arrive to Oman was ‘Vale Liwa’ which unloaded its shipment of iron ore last month and is currently en route to Brazil for reloading.

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, December 31, 2012