Valemax
Vale-built 380,000-400,000 DWT very large ore carriers (VLOC) for the Brazil-China iron ore trade.
In practice
Built for Vale's Brazil-China iron-ore trade since 2011. Largest bulkers in service; restricted to deep-water terminals.
Regulatory detail & full definition
First-generation Valemax (~400,000 DWT) entered service 2011-2012; encountered hull-cracking and Chinese-port-access disputes. Valemax 2 generation built 2018-2020 with structural improvements. Ports of call limited (Tubarão, Ponta da Madeira; some Chinese ports cleared after 2015 dispute resolution).
Related
Source: Industry usage; Vale annual reports
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.