Beijing: China may ease the restrictions on Vale’s VLOCs entering Chinese ports. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has recently sent letters to the China Shipowners’ Association, China Ports & Harbours Association, China Maritime Pilots Association, Maritime Safety Administration, and relevant government departments and local port companies, requesting feedback on future administrative measures for the safe docking of coastal vessels.
In the letter, MOT hopes the coastal ports can keep updated with the trend of vessels getting larger and maintaining safe operations. The ministry also suggests reconsideration on allowing bulk carriers larger than 300,000 dwt to call at Chinese ports as long as safety can be guaranteed.
The ministry expects all the recipients of the letter to respond by September 6.
An official from Vale’s China operation told SinoShip News that it is still too early to tell if the government would officially allow the valemaxes into China, but they will keep close eyes on the matter. [28/08/13]
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