Japanese shipping giant NYK has opted for low-carbon methanol to fuel its bulk carrier for the first time.
Its bulker arm NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers has chartered one newbuilding from tonnage provider Kambara Kisen.
NYK disclosed that NYK Bulk has concluded a time charter deal with Hiroshima-based Kambara for one 65,700-dwt bulker newbuilding.
The company did not reveal the charter period and rate for the dual-propulsion engine ship but said the ultramax bulk carrier is being built by Hiroshima-based Tsuneishi Shipbuilding.
The 200-meter-long and 32.25-meter-wide bulker is scheduled to be delivered in spring 2025.
“This ship will be the first methanol-fueled bulk carrier operated by the NYK Group,” said the shipping giant.
“The vessel has a dual-fuel main engine that can use both methanol and fuel oil. The primary fuels are expected to be bio-methanol and e-methanol, produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources and recovered carbon dioxide.”
NYK said the ship has a large loading capacity and will have a general-purpose hull that can transport various cargoes, including grain and ore.
“The NYK Group aims to promote the decarbonisation of its fleet and realise clean transportation by using a wide range of low-carbon and decarbonised fuels, including low-carbon methanol,” said the company.
Clarksons’ Shipping Intelligence Network shows NYK has 41 vessels on order that includes VLCCs, large bulkers, car-carriers, VLGCs, capesize bulkers, post-panamax bulkers, LNG carriers and a cruise ship. These newbuildings are either conventional or LNG dual-fuelled vessels.
However, NYK’s jointly owned container ship company Ocean Network Express (ONE), with Mitsui OSK Lines and K Line, has 41 methanol fuel-capable boxships on order at shipyards in China and Japan.
