Vale’s VLOC Berge Everest Completes Maiden Journey to China

The 388,000-tonne vessel, Berge Everest, reached China’s Port of Dalian and has completed delivery of its iron ore cargo, Reuters reports.

Upon reaching Dalian, where the world’s top iron ore producer’s vessel will probably refuel for its journey back to Brazil, the first of Vale’s giant dry bulk vessels has marked a key step forward in the Brazilian miner’s plan to cut shipping costs to its biggest market.

Vale has ordered 35 of the world’s largest dry bulk carriers, of which six are already on the water, at an estimated cost of $4.2 billion from Chinese and Korean shipyards.

The world’s second largest miner had pursuing efforts since June 2011 to get Chinese authorities to allow the megaships to enter the country’s ports. Chinese port officials have made no comment so it remains unclear whether other giant Vale ships will be allowed to dock in the country’s ports. Five other giant ships operated by Vale are not expected to follow Berge Everest into China at least in the near future.

Two are heading back to Brazil, two in Europe and the Vale Beijing is anchored off Brazil’s Ponta da Madeira Port.

The Vale Beijing, the newest member of the “Valemax” fleet, developed cracks in its hull on its maiden voyage, what raised concerns among Chinese shipowners about the safety of these ships. Chinese shipowners and steelmakers have been strongly resisting Vale’s vessels, fearing the ships are a “Trojan Horse” that the miner will use to monopolize both the shipping and iron ore markets at China’s expense.

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World Maritime News Staff, January 4, 2012;