Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ dry-bulk arm MOL Ocean Bulk has agreed a long-term contract with Vale International to carry iron ore aboard two 210,000-tonne ore carriers fitted with tri-fuel propulsion systems.
The arrangement, reported by MarineLink Maritime News on 2 October 2026, covers a 25-year service commitment and forms part of what the report describes as Vale’s first tri-fuel ore carrier project.
The contract and the ships
Under the agreement MOL Ocean Bulk will operate two capesize-scale ore carriers, each with a nominal 210,000 tonne deadweight. The vessels are described in the report as equipped with tri-fuel propulsion systems.
Fuel flexibility
The propulsion systems can run on ethanol, methanol and conventional heavy fuel oil, giving the ships three distinct fuel modes. The report highlights that the tri-fuel capability is a core feature of the vessels commissioning under Vale’s project.
The contract term is 25 years, signalling a multi-decade transport arrangement between the carrier operator and Vale International. MarineLink recorded the details of the signing on 2 October 2026.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines operates the transaction through its MOL Ocean Bulk division; Vale International is the cargo owner party named in the report. The publication framed the development as part of Vale’s first initiative to deploy tri-fuel ore carriers.
The report does not provide additional operational details such as delivery dates, builders, trading patterns or financing arrangements. MarineLink’s coverage supplied the core facts of the agreement, the vessel size and the tri-fuel specification.
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