Vale has kicked-off its fleet-replacement programme by looking to charter up to a dozen very large ore carrier (VLOC) newbuildings under long-term contracts of affreightment.
Industry players say only a few selected shipping companies have been invited to tender.
These outfits include ICBC Financial Leasing, China Merchants Energy Shipping, VLOC Maritime Holdings, China Ore Shipping, Polaris Shipping, Korea Line Corp, Glovis, Berge Bulk, Sinokor Merchant Marine and Anangel Maritime, the bulker arm of Greek shipowner John Angelicoussis.
