Tomini Group’s MV TOMINI K11 Achieves Record-Breaking Iron Ore Discharge at Port of Tarragona

Tomini Group is proud to announce that MV TOMINI K11 has set a historic record at the Port of Tarragona by delivering the largest-ever iron ore shipment handled in the port’s inland waters. This Capesize bulk carrier, measuring nearly 300 meters in length with a beam of 50 meters, arrived from Brazil and discharged over 208,000 tons of iron ore during a single call, an operation that spanned close to seven days. This achievement marks a significant milestone for both the Port of Tarragona and Tomini Group, showcasing our operational excellence and the impressive capacity of TOMINI K11.

Crucially, recent upgrades at the Port of Tarragona enabled this accomplishment. New high-capacity mooring defenses installed at Moll de Catalunya this summer (a nearly €2 million investment) allowed the safe berthing of a vessel of this magnitude. This record-setting discharge also aligns with the port’s strategic shift toward more sustainable cargo flows; with coal imports in decline, iron ore has emerged as a key alternative commodity for Tarragona’s docks, supported by growing industrial demand and a lower environmental impact. The successful handling of such a large volume not only demonstrates the port’s readiness for complex, large-scale operations, but also reinforces its role as a major Mediterranean distribution hub.

MV TOMINI K11: A Capesize Giant

MV TOMINI K11 is one of the largest bulk carriers in Tomini’s fleet, with a deadweight capacity of 208,214 tons (DWT). It stretches 299.95 meters in length and 50 meters in beam, with a hull draft of 18.4 meters. These dimensions place the vessel firmly in the “Capesize” class—ships too large to transit the Panama or Suez Canals and instead required to sail around continental capes to reach their destinations. Accommodating such a giant requires deep-water ports and specialized infrastructure, underscoring the significance of Tarragona’s readiness to host TOMINI K11.

Despite its massive size, the unloading operation was meticulously planned and executed in close coordination with the port’s cargo-handling teams. Specialized high-capacity equipment at Moll de Catalunya ensured a fast, secure, and efficient discharge of the iron ore, with every detail optimized for safety and timing. This careful planning allowed TOMINI K11 to complete the unprecedented unloading smoothly, highlighting the effective collaboration between the vessel’s crew and port operators.

Efficiency and Environmental Advantages

Operating at this scale also brings notable environmental benefits. Maritime transport is already the most energy-efficient mode of freight transport per ton, and the advantages multiply with vessels of this class. In fact:

• Lower emissions per cargo: A single 200,000-tonne Capesize bulk carrier emits roughly half the CO₂ per ton of cargo compared to what three 75,000-ton ships would emit carrying the same total load. This represents about a 45% reduction in emissions per unit of cargo moved.
• Fuel and CO₂ savings: On a typical Brazil–Europe voyage, using one large Capesize vessel instead of multiple smaller ships avoids an estimated 3,940 tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of nearly 2,000 cars.

These figures clearly illustrate the environmental advantage of deploying ultra-large vessels like TOMINI K11 in global trade, by moving more cargo with proportionally less fuel and emissions. Tomini’s investment in modern, high-capacity ships thus contributes to more sustainable long-haul supply chains.

A Milestone for Tomini Group

At Tomini Group, we are immensely proud that TOMINI K11 played a central role in this landmark operation. This success reflects the strength of our fleet, the skill and professionalism of our partners, and our shared commitment to driving progress in global trade through safe, sustainable, and efficient maritime operations. The record achieved at Tarragona not only underscores the capabilities of a Tomini vessel but also exemplifies the collaborative spirit between ship owner, port authority, and logistics teams required to accomplish such a feat.

In recognition of MV TOMINI K11’s first call at the Port of Tarragona, senior port officials visited the vessel and presented a commemorative plaque to the ship’s master. This ceremonial exchange, a tradition for maiden calls, underlined the significance of the occasion and celebrated the strong partnership between Tomini and the Port of Tarragona. TOMINI K11’s visit has set a new benchmark in port operations and stands as a proud moment for the Tomini Group as we continue to deliver excellence across our global maritime ventures.