The first dry-cargo vessel of the Capesize class (the Kanaris) with an actual draft of 18.5 meters left the Yuzhny port for China on June 22 with a cargo of iron ore belonging to the Metinvest holding, the press service of the holding company announced.
"The experience of loading vessels of the Capesize class at the berth is a new word in Ukrainian port logistics. Moreover, it is a step toward improving the competitiveness of Ukrainian iron ore on the world market, which will strengthen the position of the domestic ore mining industry. It is logical that the largest Ukrainian producer of iron ore and steel, the Metinvest Group, is the first to master this new technology," said Metinvest’s Logistics Director Olha Ovchynnykova.
Dredging of the Yuzhny port’s waters started in February 2013. Since then, the port’s channel draft has increased from 14.5 to 18.5 meters.