OREANDA-NEWS. The first Valemax ship headed for the Teluk Rubiah distribution centre in Malaysia left the Port of Tubarao in Espirito Santo last week. The Berge Everest vessel was loaded with 382,500 metric tons of iron ore and set sail for the Asian country. It is expected to arrive on Saturday, March 22.

The delivery of the ship marks an important milestone for the Malaysian terminal, which will increase our logistical capacity and will meet the demand of the steel industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The operation of the distribution centre is an important part of Vale's strategy to increase its competitiveness in the Asian market and to be closer to this market's customers.

Shipments leaving Teluk Rubiah destined to customers will begin in October. During this first phase, the terminal will have a capacity of 35 million metric tons per year, which could be expanded in the future to up to 100 million metric tons per year. As well as being closer to Asian customers, the centre will reduce our products' delivery times. It will also allow us to blend ores from our different production lines, leaving us with a better quality final product.