MOL Launches Iron Ore Carrier

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.