The Berge Acongagua, owned by Norwegian company Bergesen Worldwide (BW Group) and operated by Brazilian mining group, Vale, docked at Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC)’s Port of Oita yesterday. This is the first time a 400,000 ton Valemax ore carrier has ever docked in Japan and it was the maiden voyage for this ship.
A ceremony was held to celebrate the ship’s arrival and was attended by the country manager of Vale in Switzerland, Renato Neves; NSC Director Shinichi Fujiwara; the CEO of Bergebulk, James Marshall, the ship owner; and Brazil’s Ambassador to Japan, Marcos Galvão.
Compared to Capesize ore carriers which have historically carried iron ore from places like Australia and Brazil, the Valemax VLOCs take full advantage of economy of scale and are considered eco-friendly as they emit roughly 35% less carbon dioxide per ton of ore transported.
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