Vale chooses Euroports Tarragona as iron ore hub

Vale, a leading global producer of iron ore, has announced a partnership with Euroports Tarragona to manage its logistics operations for the Mediterranean market. This collaboration aims to support steel mills across the region with a reliable supply of iron ore.

The partnership was underscored by the arrival of the bulk carrier Magsenger 10 at the Port of Tarragona on 24 August 2024. The vessel, measuring 254 metres in length, with a beam of 43 meters, delivered over 110,000 tonnes of iron ore from Ponta da Madeira in Brazil to Spain.

Vale chose Euroports Tarragona due to their extensive experience in handling bulk minerals and the high quality of the port’s infrastructure.

Euroports Tarragona will act as a key entry point, storage facility, and re-shipping hub for the iron ore, replacing previous coal volumes as part of a broader move towards a more sustainable economy.

The iron ore arriving at Tarragona is destined for steel production, which is crucial for various industries including construction, automotive, and machinery manufacturing.

Euroports highlighted that Vale’s decision to collaborate with them was influenced by the port’s expertise and the overall quality of its operations. The company also noted that the support from the port authority, port captain, and customs, as well as Euroports’ investments in operational and environmental initiatives, were significant factors in Vale’s choice.

Euroports is one of Europe’s largest port operators, with an annual turnover of nearly €1 billion. The company operates in over 20 countries, including Spain, France, Italy, and Germany, and manages around 70 million tonnes of bulk and general cargo each year through its 50 terminals across Europe and China. In addition to traditional cargo, Euroports is increasingly involved in handling wind turbines, lithium, biofuel, and recycling waste. The company is owned by three major shareholders: PMV, SFPIM, and R-Logitech.