| The TEX Report Topics < Iron Ore > | |
| HOME >> Topics List >> March, 2007 >> 26 (Mon) |
| MOL To Name World's Largest Iron Ore Carrier |
| = To carry 1.4-Mt/a Brazilian iron ore to Nippon Steel in 2008 onward |
|
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd ("MOL") announced March 23 that it has decided to name the world's largest iron ore carrier under construction the "Brasil Maru", which will be launched out into the transport of Brazilian iron ore for Nippon Steel under a long-term contract. The newbuilding falls on the third generation of MOL vessels to bear the name of "Brasil Maru" (a Portuguese version of Brazil Maru named with wishes for further friendship between Brazil and Japan). The first-generation Brasil Maru, built in 1939, featured state-of-the-art marine technologies of the day as a cargo and passenger liner, and boasted a top speed of 21 knots. It served on the Japan-South American route as the fastest ship representing Osaka Shosen Kaisha (OSK Line, one of MOL's corporate predecessors). The second-generation one, built in 1954, was also an advanced cargo and passenger ship that symbolized Japan's economic growth. It served on the South American route via the Canal of Panama and carried a large number of Japanese emigrants to Brazil. After the termination of her active service, she stayed at Toba port in Mie Prefecture, Japan, for about 20 years, being renamed the Toba Brasil Maru It has attracted myriads of visitors, especially cruise ship enthusiasts who enjoyed her elegant lines. The new Brasil Maru being under construction at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Chiba Works will be launched in December 2007. Having a 340 m overall length, 60 m breadth, 21 m draft and 323,000-dwt deadweight tonnage, this mega ship will surpass Tokyo Tower by 7 meters in length. She will engage in shuttle transport of Brazilian iron ore for Nippon Steel starting in 2008 -- the centennial anniversary of Japanese emigration to Brazil. Annually 1.4 million tons of iron ore will be carried to Oita and Kimitsu Works. |
| last modified : Thu 29 Mar, 2007 [11:01] |
