MOL signs fifth bulker charter deal with Baoshan
Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has concluded a fifth long-term charter agreement with Baoshan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd., China's largest iron and steel group, for a newly built 230,000-ton bulk carrier.
The ship will be built by Namura Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., and is scheduled to be launch in early 2009 when it will carry iron ore from Western Australia to Shanghai, sailing under a 22-year consecutive voyage charter agreement between MOL and Baoshan, due to start this April.
MOL also has contracts with Baoshan for three 200,000-ton bulkers that will be completed in January, March and May of this year, and a 300,000-ton carrier that will be launched in early 2009. The five vessels will together transport nearly 10 million tons of iron ore to Baoshan per year, MOL said.