VLOC ‘Vale Shinas’ Docks at Port of Sohar (Oman)

Ending its maiden voyage from Brazil, VLOC ‘Vale Shinas’ has docked at Vale’s deep-water jetty to unload 400,000 tons of iron ore. Measuring a length of 360 meters and width of 65 meters, the arrival of one of the world’s largest vessels at the Port of Sohar was commemorated by the community of Shinas and Oman Shipping Company.

‘Vale Shinas’ is the fourth very large iron ore carrier built for Vale’s operations in the Sultanate through its strategic partnership with Oman Shipping Company. To celebrate this milestone, Vale hosted a special Iftar followed by a site visit at its Industrial Complex in Liwa under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Salim Al Futaisi, Minister Of Transport & Communications and Deputy Chairman of Oman Shipping Company, and the Company’s Board of Directors along with members of the Shinas community.

On the occasion, Marcos Beluco, CEO of Vale in Oman, resonated the importance of the partnership for the sustainable development of the country.

He said, “Vale, together with its valued partners, crosses oceans to share Oman’s rich culture, history and legacy around the world, further solidifying this great nation’s position on the international arena. We are also proudly supporting in the diversification of the Sultanate’s economy as our very large shipments of iron ore have created the country’s very own ‘virtual iron ore mine’ thereby setting the stage for it to become a base for an integrated steel cluster in the region.”

Tarik Al Junaidi, acting CEO of Oman Shipping Company, reiterated that the relationship between Vale and Oman Shipping is based on the shared vision for a sustainable future. He added, “Collectively, we will continue to contribute to Oman’s economic prosperity.”

Vale’s Valemax vessels dock at Vale’s port in Liwa for its unparalleled logistical capabilities. The Port’s unique location outside the Arabian Gulf has the advantage of deep-water seas that can accommodate large vessels, a feature very few ports in the world can boast. This ultimately allows Vale to serve its growing network of clients in the Middle East, North Africa and Indian sub-continent with greater efficiency and speed.

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Vale, July 17, 2013