China rule change will allow 400,000-dwt to dock at mainland ports
CHINA will soon allow once-banned mega-bulkers of 400,000-dwt to berth at mainland ports, reports Reuters.
This immediately affects Brazil's Vale's mega ships, the world's biggest bulk ore carriers. They have been barred from China since January 2012 due to rules, which banned vessels of more than 250,000 dwt.
An internal circular issued last week by the Ministry of Transport and seen by Reuters said it would now recognise ships with capacity of 400,000 dwt. It suggests that ports able to accommodate such large ships can now apply for permission to receive them, analysts said.