Juggernaut Valemax to Deliver Rotterdam Cargo

Iron ore carrier 'Berge Java', chartered by Vale, will discharge its cargo, for company customer ArcelorMittal, in the Port of Rotterdam.

The Berge Jaya, chartered by Vale, is scheduled to berth at Rotterdam's EMO dry bulk terminal this week. This is the second voyage of the vessel, built by Chinese shipyard Bohai. The Valemax ship has a capacity to transport up to 400,000 tons of iron ore and allows for 35% less carbon emission per ton of ore transported compared to earlier generation ships.

The Valemax vessels have regularly berthed at the European ports of Taranto and Rotterdam. Customers include Italian steelmaker Ilva (Taranto port), German steelmaker Rogesa (Rotterdam's EMO terminal), ThyssenKrupp and HKM, also in Germany, (via Rotterdam's EECV terminal).

Internationally, the Valemax ships have called at the ports of Villanueva (Philippines), Tubarão and Ponta da Madeira (Brazil), Sohar (Oman) and Oita (Japan) as well as Vale's floating transfer station in Subic Bay, in the Philippines.  

Today, there are 23 Valemax class vessels in operation. By the end of 2013, there will be a total of 35 similar vessels available to transport Vale's iron ore - 19 owned by Vale and 16 chartered from international shipowners.

The Valemax vessels are considered the most environmental friendly ships in the dry bulk market, and they have been specifically designed for the trade.