Germany's Oldendorff Carriers has struck a charter deal to cut emissions from Canadian miner Teck Resources' coal supply chain.

The companies said energy-efficient bulk carriers will be used to carry shipments of Teck's steel-making coal from Vancouver to international destinations.

The "industry-leading" initiative is expected to slash CO2 emissions by between 30% and 40%, the partners added.

The estimated savings could reach 45,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to removing nearly 10,000 passenger vehicles from the road.

Oldendorff said its eco-ships achieve significant fuel savings due to their design and fuel-efficient engines, as well as maximising the cargo size and using voyage optimisation.

Flexible friends

Teck will have access to the German owner's fleet of 700 ships ranging from handysize to capesize.

This will give the miner flexibility and reduce carbon intensity on each voyage, Oldendorff said.

The CO2 reductions represent Scope 1 emissions for Oldendorff and Scope 3 emissions for Teck.

"Partnering with Oldendorff to reduce the emissions associated with transportation of our steel-making coal is one of the ways Teck is reducing our carbon footprint and taking action on climate change," said Teck chief executive Don Lindsay.

"As part of our climate strategy, we are committed to working with transportation providers to reduce emissions downstream of our business," he added.

The Canadian group wants to cut carbon intensity across its operations by 33% by 2030 and be a carbon-neutral operator by 2050.

Oldendorff CEO Peter Twiss said that by working together with the Teck logistics team, the partners were able to develop an "environmentally optimised delivery programme".

"Using our fleet of eco bulk carriers in this re-envisioned delivery programme, the CO2 emissions will be reduced significantly," he added.

In October, the shipowner revealed an order for five kamsarmax bulkers from Jiangsu Hantong Shipyard in China.

The deal, placed during the summer, includes options for seven more vessels, which are likely to be declared during the first quarter of next year.

The kamsarmaxes will be built to the new Sdari-82 (2020) design, which Oldendorff said features an improved hull form for even lower fuel consumption and a better light running margin for the propeller.