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The first LNG-powered Handysize bulk carries in the world

In November 2015, ESL Shipping ordered new, extremely energy-efficient LNG-fuelled ships from Sinotrans & CSC Qingshan Shipyard in China. The order is based on frame agreement between ESL Shipping and SSAB covering SSAB’s inbound raw material sea transports within the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.

These new, ice-class 1A ships will be the first LNG-fuelled large bulk carriers in the world, representing the latest in technology and innovation. MAN B&W-powered ships fulfil all current environmental regulations and will also satisfy Energy Efficient Design Index (EEDI) requirements beyond the phase three, to be introduced in 2025.

The design and construction work is made together with the Finnish designer Deltamarin. The ships are based on Deltamarin’s B.Delta26LNG design, but ESL Shipping has been working in close cooperation on the ship design in order to tailor the ships according to customer needs. Special attention has been given to efficient cargo handling and cargo hold arrangements. Extensive model tests have been performed for both water (SSPA) and ice class (Aker Arctic) operations.

Carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cargo transported will be reduced by more than 50 percent in comparison to present generation of vessels. Contrary to many other LNG-powered vessels, MAN B&W auxiliary engines and Alfa Laval Aalborg boiler will use liquefied natural gas as well. Nitrogen oxide and particle emissions reduce significantly as well.

The new vessels will start operating in the Baltic Sea during the first half of 2018. The total value of the investment is approximately EUR 60 million.

During the coming months, we will take a closer look to different features of the new vessels.

 

Technical data:

DWT 25 600 mt
GT / NT 18 912 / 7631
Length 160 m
Beam 26 m
Draft 10 m
Main engine Dual Fuel MAN B&W 5G45ME-C9.5-GI
Shaft line power 7 250 kW
Cranes 3 x electro-hydraulic cranes SWL 37,5 mton