Mining company and shipowner Anglo American has made over 30 operations to refuel what are now 10 capesize bulkers with LNG.
Announcing the handover of its final newbuilding, Anglo American said that since the first vessel was loaded in early 2023, its Ubuntu fleet has moved 6.4m tonnes of iron ore and steelmaking coal across global shipping routes.
“Additionally, the Ubuntu fleet has conducted over 30 refuelling stops for LNG in strategic locations such as Singapore and Malaysia,” the company said.
“The LNG dual-fuelled vessels offer an estimated 35% reduction in emissions compared to ships fuelled by conventional marine oil fuel and are the most efficient vessels of their type today.”
The company added that this demonstrates its commitment to “embracing sustainable fuel alternatives”.
Anglo American wrapped up deliveries of what was a pioneering order for LNG dual-fuel tonnage when the ships were contracted in 2021 at around $60m each with the handover of the 190,000-dwt newbuilding Ubuntu Liberty from China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.
The company said the vessel’s maiden voyage will be from China to Saldanha Bay, South Africa, to collect a cargo of high-quality iron ore.
Anglo American marketing business chief executive Matt Walker said the handover of the vessel puts the company in “a market leading position as the charterer of the largest LNG dual-fuelled capesize” fleet in the world.
“By adopting more sustainable and lower carbon fuel options like LNG, we are actively contributing to a cleaner, greener future for the maritime industry,” Walker said, adding that its customers have shown a keen interest in accessing our Ubuntu freight, demonstrating growing recognition of the value of sustainable shipping.
The company said the Ubuntu bulker fleet is a key component of its ambition to achieve carbon neutrality for its controlled ocean freight by 2040, aligning with Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan commitment to carbon-neutral operations across its mines by the same year.
