VLCC Vale Sohar Arrives in Oman

‘Vale Sohar’, one of the largest bulk carriers in the world, was welcomed to Oman by members of the North Al Batinah community headed by H.E. Sheikh Hilal bin Ali Al Habsi, Wali of Sohar.

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 conveyed the feelings of community on this occasion and highlighted the importance of Vale’s contributions to the sustainable development of Oman.

He said, “Vale is a pioneering company committed to implement sustainable social initiatives and we can already see the impact the company has made on the communities.”

“It gives us a great pride to see Sohar’s name on a vessel that pays tribute to our seafaring traditions as it travels the globe carrying the history, legacy and pride of Omanis to the world,” expressed H.E. Sheikh Al Habsi in his speech to the attendees.

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 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.

Due to the very large capacity of these carriers, the shipments create a ‘virtual iron ore mine’ in Oman which ultimately allows Vale to serve its growing network of clients in the Middle East, North Africa and Indian Sub-Continent faster and more efficiently.

[mappress]

Vale, December 31, 2012