The Iwagi Island, a 590-foot-long Handymax bulk carrier built in Imabari, Japan, stopped at the Port of Vancouver on Friday on its maiden voyage.
The Iwagi Island departed Japan for the U.S. in January. The ship will load approximately 26,000 metric tons of copper concentrate at the Port of Vancouver USA before departing for ports in the Black Sea.
The ship, commanded by Capt. Yi Hai Yu of China, is owned by Iwagi Island Limited and operated by Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Limited. Representatives from Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals, Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd. and General Steamship Agencies welcomed Yu and his 17-member Chinese crew to the Port of Vancouver.
Handymax bulk carriers typically have a deadweight capacity of up to 60,000 metric tons and are used to transport cargoes like cement, steel, lumber and mineral ores. The Handymax bulker is a versatile vessel. Due to their size and configuration, they can be used to carry nearly any dry bulk cargo and can load or unload at a variety of ports around the world, according to the port.
