Authorities in Rio de Janeiro are processing requests to allow the ports of Vitória and
Ponta da Madeira to accept calls by the new Valemax bulk carriers ordered by CVRD.
Currently being built in South Korea and China, these
vessels, which will be the largest afloat, are due to be
delivered in March 2011.
Each will be 365 metres long and 66 metres wide,
requiring 23 metres of water in order to dock, although
capable of handling 400,000 tonnes of cargo. Once
permission is received, Vitória will dredge its harbour from
an existing 23 metres to 25 metres.
Certification includes personnel training and also looking
at a variety of different climatic conditions that will affect the
manoeuvring of the vessels whilst in the port. In addition,
calculations will be made as to how many tugs will be
required.
BC