Vale SA, the world’s biggest iron ore producer is planning to build another ore trans-shipment vessel as a hub in Asia to cope with China’s continuous standoff against its 40,000 dwt VLOC access. The vessel is specialized in unloading iron ore from Vale’s Chinamax to smaller vessel for further transportation to China and other Asia Pacific destinations. The elder one, Philippine-based Ore Fabrica was converted from a conventional 280,000 dwt bulk carrier to floating iron ore storage vessel early this February by China’s Jiangsu Xinrong Shipyard. The new coming is believed to be placed off the coast of Malaysia after delivered from a Korean yard.

Ship to ship ore transfer is no easy task and quite different from standard port operation practice. The job is fallen on an Italy most experienced team called Bedeschi. The transfer cost rises with the difficulties, and this has undermined the original cost saving strategy to build a series of mega large ore carriers. But it seems to be the only temporary solution before Chinese authority grants their entry.

According to Reuters, the project was unveiled by Vale’s Global Marketing Director Claudio Alves during a naming ceremony of 2 VLOC vessels at Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industry in Nantong, China. Those vessels are the first 2 VLOCs for Oman Shipping, and after delivery they will under operation for South America—Persian Gulf ore transport.

Now the Brazilian mining giant has the intention to realize all the 35 VLOCs. However with Chinese port, the world’s largest iron ore importer, beyond their direct reach, how could Vale realizes its dream of their called both win situation for Chinese iron mills and itself? Yesterday, for the first time Vale officially denied allegation of Vale’s boycott against Cosco’s ships in retaliation, commenting on TradeWinds Shipping China conference in Shanghai.

And I cannot predict when the day will come for the two members of BRICS finally break the bricks, since the protest from Chinese ship owners remains intensive.