NS United Orders Second Valemax in Japan

Japan’s shipowner NS United Kaiun Kaisha has placed an order for another 400,000 dwt Capesize very large ore carrier (VLOC) at its compatriot shipbuilder Japan Marine United.

Under the construction deal, signed on June 2, the new Valemax is scheduled to be delivered in 2020.

Although the parties did not disclose the price of the 200,000 gross ton vessel, data provided by VesselsValue shows that the ship has a market value of USD 66.4 million.

In April 2017, NS United ordered its first 400,000 dwt VLOC from the same shipbuilder on the back of a 25-year contract of affreightment signed with Brazilian iron ore from Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A.

The earlier signed agreement is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2019, when the newly built eco-type ore carrier is set to join its owner.

The deal would cover the transportation of an estimated volume of 40 million tons on the major service route between Brazil and China throughout the contract years.

World Maritime News Staff