Reviews & Ratings for the Shandong-Da-De

The Port of Tubarão in Vitória has welcomed the Vale Rio de Janeiro, a state-of-the-art Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) with an impressive capacity to transport 400,000 metric tons of iron ore. This landmark event signifies the initial phase of Vale’s initiative in Espírito Santo to accommodate the largest ore carriers in the world. Since 2008, Vale has meticulously researched the handling of 400,000 metric ton vessels at Tubarão, collaborating with the Espírito Santo Port Authority for technical expertise. To ensure the safety and efficiency of operations, a sophisticated simulator was employed to analyze ship behavior during maneuvers. The Vale Rio de Janeiro is on its third voyage, having previously docked at Ponta da Madeira in Maranhão, Brazil, as well as at ports in Taranto, Italy, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Following its stop at Tubarão, the vessel is set to continue its journey to the Port of Sohar in Oman.

On January 5th at approximately 13:00 hours, the VALE RIO DE JANEIRO, one of the largest bulk carriers globally, is set to dock at Maaspilot station in Rotterdam, heading to EECV (Westside). This colossal vessel, which completed its construction and was delivered in September 2011, previously sailed to Ponta Da Madeira for loading before making its way to Rotterdam. Owned by the renowned Brazilian mining giant Vale, the VALE RIO DE JANEIRO holds the title of the largest bulk carrier in the world, alongside its sister ship, MV Vale Brasil. Designed primarily to transport iron ore from Brazil to Asia, especially targeting the Chinese market, the vessel navigates around the Cape route of South Africa. The ship is part of a fleet of seven exceptionally large ore carriers (VLOCs) commissioned by Vale from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine, each weighing 400,000 tonnes. The VALE RIO DE JANEIRO surpasses the previous record-holder, Berge Stahl, in multiple dimensions, boasting a gross tonnage of 175,720 tons and a deadweight tonnage of 364,767 tons, significantly larger than the Norwegian vessel. While both ships share the same draught, the VALE RIO DE JANEIRO is 20 meters longer and 1.5 meters wider than Berge Stahl.

As the distressed bulk carrier 'Vale Beijing' remains anchored approximately 5 miles off the coast of Sao Luis, critical loading activities are underway for the 'Vale Rio de Janeiro'. The loading commenced on December 19, 2011, at PDM Berth 1 located in Itqai, with the vessel expected to handle a substantial 386,000 metric tons of cargo. Following this operation, the 'Vale Italia' is scheduled to dock at Berth 1 for loading 390,000 metric tons on December 21. However, the loading plans for the 'Vale China' remain uncertain, contingent on the developments concerning the 'Rio' and 'Italia' in the coming days, as she is set to arrive at Berth 1 on January 1, 2012. The maritime community is keenly observing these activities, hoping for a positive resolution.