OREANDA-NEWS. November 27, 2009. Metinvest has developed a functional logistics scheme and commenced capsize deliveries of iron ore for exports. The first vessel with a freight-carrying capacity of 195 thous. tons has departed to China. As of today the second bulk-carrier of the similar class is being stowed. This is the first time when the raw materials produced by Metinvest’s Iron ore Division are shipped for exports in such volumes. Thus, Ukraine has joined the club of countries effecting capsize bulk freights deliveries (deadweight of 175-400 thous. tons). The new marketing arrangements have been developed as a part of the Strategy on deliveries diversification and extension of Metinvest Group’s sales markets.

Two-stage method of the bulkers loading has been successfully implemented in the course of the shipping mechanisms development. During the first stage the bulker is loaded at the berths of Odessa region ports. At the second stage the bulker passes to the deep water anchorage in Kerch to accomplish the loading to a full draft.

In November 2009 the capesize bulker Kassos Warrior with a freight–carrying capacity of 195 thous. tons was loaded with iron ore products manufactured by Metinvest enterprises. The bulker departed to China. As of today MYKONOS bulker, which is the second vessel of the similar class, is being stowed.

Unfortunately, the infrastructure of Ukrainian ports does not allow loading of the capesize vessels to a full draft at the berth due to the depth restrictions.

“This is a real breakthrough for Ukraine, as there have never been any capesize shipments of bulk freights before. As of today, we have achieved the maximum efficiency in the sea exports of iron ore”, says Alexander Vilkul, the Honorary Director of the Iron ore Division.