Three bulkers have been damaged after a mooring manoeuvre went wrong at a Vale terminal in Brazil on Saturday afternoon.
The mining company said in a statement that Japanese owner NS United's 400,000-dwt VLOC NSU Carajas (built 2019) hit two other dry cargo vessels at Pier IV South of the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal.
The other ships were moored at Pier III.
A photo released by Vale showed Star Bulk Carriers' 179,000-dwt capesize Star Janni (built 2010) with damage to its port side near the stern.
'Material damage'
"There was only material damage, no casualties or environmental damage," Vale added.
The port continues to operate normally. The third ship has not been named.
Vale said the three ships were unloaded and then taken to an anchorage on Sunday for inspections.
Port authorities were called in and were investigating the incident with support from Vale.
The Liberia-flagged NSU Carajas has insurance from Japan P&I Club. ClassNK is its classification society.
Operator NS United confirmed the accident and said the ship was under pilotage
"The details of this incident are currently under investigation," the company added.
"We are fully cooperating with the investigation by authorities and parties concerned."
The Star Janni, which also flies the Liberian flag, has Britannia P&I as its protection and indemnity insurer and is classed by DNV GL.
The Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal is a key iron ore loading facility for large bulkers.
In February, Polaris Shipping's 300,000-dwt VLOC Stellar Banner (built 2016) had just left the terminal when it grounded with a cargo of iron ore.
The vessel was declared a constructive total loss.
Eric Martin contributed to this story.
