Brazilian iron ore miner Vale's first giant ore carrier Vale Brasil built in 2011 is said to have encountered a problem on its first voyage from Brazil to China.
Sources say that the 402,347 dwt Vale Brasil stopped off Durban last week. It is now highly unlikely that it will be able to enter the Chinese port of Dalian.
Industry insiders say that the ship is now on its way back from China and will discharge its cargo in Italy.
It is widely believed that the Italian steelmaker Ilva will receive at least some of the cargo; however, it is not clear if the whole freight will be discharged in the Mediterranean.
There have been some recent rumors regarding China not accepting ships over 300,000 dwt. On the other hand, the reason may also be the ongoing dredging works at the port of Dalian, which would make it difficult for the fully-laden Vale Brasil to enter.