Tokyo: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" Line) has concluded a long-term iron ore transport agreement with the Anshan Iron and Steel Group - based in Anshan City, Liaoning Province, China - to transport Australian iron ore using capesize bulk carriers.
The agreement covers a 10-year deal to transport iron ore from Australia to China using 170,000-ton bulk carriers, starting in October 2009. Annual transport volume will be approximately 1.5 million tons
The Anshan Iron and Steel Group has joined together with the Benxi Iron and Steel Group, also based in Liaoning Province, to form the Anben Group. Anshan Iron and Steel is a leading iron and steel maker in China, with crude steel production of 23.4 million tons in 2008. It is a core company in northeastern China under the Chinese government's iron and steel industry policies. Last year, it constructed an integrated seaside blast furnace plant in Yingkou on the shores of Liaodong Bay that processes mainly imported iron ore.
"K" Line says it views the increased business entries into the growing Chinese market as one of the most important targets for its business expansion plan. Following the agreement the company aims for more opportunities to be involved in the iron ore transport business in China. [02/02/09]
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