Klaveness Combination Carriers has secured a new long-term contract of affreightment with Brazil’s Alunorte, extending the Norwegian owner’s presence in the alumina supply chain. The 32-month deal, starting in March 2026, will see KCC move caustic soda solution to Alunorte’s refinery.

The work will be handled by the 2001-built Cabu vessel Barcarena, which completed its 25-year renewal docking in early December, extending its service life. KCC said the ship will also take dry cargoes on northbound legs when the market allows, keeping ballast time down and improving overall utilisation.

KCC operates eight Cabu and eight Cleanbu in service and three more Cabu newbuilds under construction at Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding, scheduled for delivery in 2026. The 2001-built 72,562 dwt Barcarena is the company’s oldest vessel.

Alunorte is the world’s largest alumina refinery outside of China, located in Barcarena, Brazil, owned by Norsk Hydro, and processes bauxite into alumina, the raw material for aluminum, supplying both exports and the nearby Albras smelter, which produces aluminum ingots.