Japan’s NS United has ordered a dual-fuel methanol-ready newcastlemax bulker at a domestic shipyard.
Delivery of the 209,000-dwt vessel will be in 2027, or possibly 2028, the shipowner said.
It will be used to transport raw materials in Japan and overseas.
A deal has been struck with Nihon Shipyard, a joint venture between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United.
No value has been given for the contract.
The design will ensure compliance with International Maritime Organization regulations requiring a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2025, NS United said.
“Since the use of green methanol as a marine fuel is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80% compared to conventional heavy fuel oil, NS United aims to cooperate with many related companies involved in fuel development to procure green methanol,” it added.
“The implementation of dual-fuel methanol vessel is an important milestone toward achieving our environmental goal of achieving greenhouse gas net zero by 2050.”
The new bulker will be 300 metres long and 50 metres wide.
Last month, TradeWinds reported that NS United and compatriot K Line, as well as trading house Itochu Corp, will own one of the first vessels to be fitted with MAN Energy Solutions’ under-development ammonia-fuelled engines.
Imabari involved
MAN ES said it will install its MAN B&W 7S60ME-ammonia engine on a 200,000-dwt bulk carrier being built at Imabari Shipbuilding for a joint venture of the three companies.
The engine designer said this is one of the first projects for its ammonia-powered engine, which is being developed in Copenhagen.
Mitsui & Co — a MAN ES licensee — will build the engine in Japan.
Japanese owner NYK has an 18% stake in NS United, which owns a fleet of 43 bulkers and VLGCs.
