In today’s interactive picture we introduce the giant Valemax-the world’s biggest iron ore carrier, ushered in by the Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A.

The 400,000-dwt ship is designed as a specialized very large ore carrier. At 362 meters long, 65 meters wide and 30.4 meters high, the Valemax led to the creation of a new shipping class, obtaining a string of adopted notations set by classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

A Valemax vessel can make four trips per year to Asia, each vessel able to transport about 2.3 times more iron ore than Capesize ships.

According to Vale’s data, Valemaxes emit 35% less when compared to a traditional commercial ship of iron ore and they also cut energy consumption as they carry more cargo in a single trip.

The ships are designed to sail for 30 years. They can dock regularly at ten ports, such as Rotterdam, Taranto, Sohar, plus two floating Vale stations in the Philippines.

Vale currently has 30 of these ships in operation.

World Maritime News Staff; Image courtesy and info: Vale