Vale (NYSE:VALE) plans to test its first autonomous shiploader in December at the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal in São Luís, Brazil.
The equipment is expected to complete its loading cycle without direct human commands, while remaining under staff supervision.
Brazilian transport publication Transporte Moderno reports that Vale executives outlined the plans at the Port Performance Summit 2026 in São Paulo.
Vale already operates eight shiploaders remotely at Ponta da Madeira and four at Tubarão. The planned trial would transfer control of equipment movements from remote operators to an automated system.
Ponta da Madeira Director Walter Pinheiro says automation will change operators’ responsibilities, with greater emphasis on supervising systems and assessing risks.
“The operator will not disappear, absolutely,” Pinheiro says, translated from Portuguese.
Vale is also introducing drones to carry messenger lines during vessel mooring, reducing reliance on support boats. Pinheiro says the task previously took about seven minutes and can now be completed in roughly half that time.
Separately, Vale executives report that its AI-based port planning system has increased shipments by more than 1.5% and reduced vessel demurrage costs by up to 2%.
The system updates operating plans every 30 minutes, coordinating rail arrivals, stockyard movements, and shiploading around equipment availability, tides, and cargo requirements.
Vale has also signed a 25-year agreement with Mitsui OSK Lines (TYO:9104) subsidiary MOL Ocean Bulk covering two iron ore carriers capable of using ethanol, methanol, or heavy fuel oil, as previously reported by Mining.com.au. Delivery is scheduled for 2030.
Vale is a Brazilian mining company producing iron ore, nickel, and copper, supported by an integrated rail and port network.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Vale
