Published Date:
28-Dec-2011
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shipping-exchangeThe 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.


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.


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.