One of Vale's giant iron ore vessels has for the first time
arrived at a Chinese port fully loaded, industry sources and shipping data
showed on Wednesday, after months of uncertainty over access for the Brazilian
miner's new fleet to its biggest market.
Vale is spending more than $2 billion to build a flotilla of
the world's largest dry bulk ships to cut the cost of shipping iron ore to
China, but until now had failed to gain Beijing's approval for the six vessels
already on the water to even stop at a Chinese port.
The world's largest iron ore exporter had been forced to
divert its fleet to Italy, Oman and other destinations while waiting for
Beijing's approval.
Reuters Freightviews and independent shipping data showed
Vale's vessel, Berge Everest, anchored off China's Dalian port with its draught
measurements indicating it fully loaded with cargo. Industry sources were
unable to say if the vessel had clearance to unload.
A Vale spokeswoman in China declined to comment. A
spokeswoman for the ship's owner, Singapore-based Berge Bulk, and Dalian port
officials were not immediately available for comment.
Vale's first mega bulk vessel, Vale Brasil, was forced to
turn around in the Indian Ocean on its maiden voyage in June after the Chinese
government failed to provide permission for the ship to dock at Dalian. It went
to Taranto, Italy, instead.
Source: Reuters
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