Tor Olav Troim’s Himalaya Shipping has decided to fit scrubbers to its fleet of new bulkers under construction in China.
The Oslo-listed start-up said it has struck a deal with New Times Shipyard (NTS) to install the exhaust cleaners on the 12 vessels without any slippage of delivery dates.
The scrubbers have been contracted at "attractive prices and payment terms," the company added.
Massive price differentials between low and high sulphur fuels have meant scrubber-fitted ships earning much more per day in recent months.
Clarksons Securities estimates capesizes earnings an average of $5,600 per day currently, but those with scrubbers can add another $8,900 on top of this.
Himalaya said that the fleet will have the ability to be fuelled with LNG or both types of diesel after delivery.
“This offers significantly increased flexibility for our customers and will be valuable in the ongoing employment discussions,” the owner added.
Based on the current spot pricing of bunkers in Singapore, the scrubber investment is estimated to give a total gain of $7,500 per day, the company believes.
The cost will be paid back in less than one and a half years, it estimates.
No rush to fix
“The management and board would like to express their appreciation to NTS showing their willingness and ability to make alterations during the building process, underlining the excellent cooperation between builders and the company,” Himalaya added.
In June, the owner said it was happy to bide its time fixing its 12 new bulkers in anticipation of rising rates.
None of the newcastlemaxes on order has yet been chartered out.
Himalaya’s fleet will deliver next year and in 2024, as new efficiency regulations come into force.
The company aims to charter out its vessels to large dry bulk operators, commodity traders and other end-users.
Several enquiries have been fielded, the owner said.
