Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, has launched one of the world’s largest iron ore carrier, the Brasil Maru (327,180 MT DWT). Naming and delivery ceremonies were held at the Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Chiba Works on December 7, 2007. It will transport Brazilian iron ore to Japan under a long-term contract with Nippon Steel Corporation.
The new ship is the third-generation of MOL vessels to carry the Brasil Maru name, succeeding the first-generation cargo and passenger liner Brasil Maru (built in 1939) and the second-generation cargo and passenger liner Brazil Maru (built in 1954), reflect the long history of the Japan-South America route.
On hand for the ceremonies were Nippon Steel President Akio Mimura and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding President Yasuhiko Kato. President Mimura named the ship and his wife Yoshiko cut the
rope. Other special guests included passengers, a captain and crew members who were aboard the second-generation Brazil Maru, in effect passing the torch to from the second-generation of the Brazil Maru to the third, and celebrating its completion.
It will go into service in 2008 - the centennial anniversary of Japanese emigration to Brazil.