News bulletin – tanker shipping

NEWS BULLETIN

TANKER SHIPPING

ONE DOWN, FIVE TO GO

Proman Stena Bulk has launched the first of its three 49,900-dwt dual-fuel methanol tankers at Guangzhou Shipyard. Final delivery of the new vessel, Stena Pro Patria, is scheduled for first quarter 2022. Proman also has three more similar vessels on order at Guangzhou, all due for delivery by the end of 2023.

It is planned that each vessel will use some 12,500 tonnes of methanol per year as fuel. “Using widely available and cost-competitive ‘grey’ methanol produced from natural gas, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the vessels’ normal commercial operations will be significantly reduced compared to conventional marine fuels,” Stena Bulk says. “This includes the virtual elimination of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, 60 per cent reduction of nitrogen oxide and a cut in carbon dioxide, offering immediate improvements to air quality around ports and coastlines.”

All six ships are being built to the same design, using the latest energy efficiency technology, including continually controlled combustion, optimised tuning, and redesigned and aerodynamic hull lines. The will all be fitted with the MAN B&W 6G50ME-C9.6 MW Tier III engine.

The new fleet will contributed to the shared vision of Proman and Stena Bulk to dramatically accelerate the energy transition in shipping through concrete commitments and tangible action. “Together, we are working to leverage both companies’ ambition and expertise to make methanol more widely available to vessel owners around the world and help them to join us on the transition to a cleaner shipping industry,” a joint statement says. www.stenabulk.com www.proman.org

MOL GOES BIG IN METHANOL

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has acquired a 40 per cent stake in Waterfront Shipping for $145m as part of a broader strategic shipping partnership with Waterfront’s owner, Methanex. The arrangement, involving the world’s largest methanol producer and the largest methanol shipping company, aims to advance the commercialisation of methanol, including renewable methanol, as a viable marine fuel.

Waterfront Shipping currently has a fleet of some 30 modern, deepsea tankers dedicated to keeping an uninterrupted flow of methanol moving from production sites to customers around the world.

Since the announcement, MOL has taken delivery of Capilano Sun, a 50,000-dwt dual-fuel methanol tanker capable of running on methanol. The new tanker will be chartered to Waterfront Shipping. MOL is one of the largest operators of methanol carriers, with a current fleet of 18 ships, and also operates four of the existing 13 dual-fuel methanol tankers in service. www.mol.co.jp www.wfs-cl.com

THUN ENDS NEWBUILD SERIES

Thun Tankers has taken delivery of Thun Empower (above), the last in the four-strong E-class series of 8,000-dwt newbuildings from Ferus Smit. The series is an evolution of Thun’s existing product and chemical tanker designs, with reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, using LNG for main propulsion. The IMO II tankers have epoxy-coated tanks and cargo heating and are employed in the Gothia Tanker Alliance network.

Speaking about the finalisation of the current newbuilding programme, Thun Tankers’ CEO Joakim Lund says: “This series of tankers provide our clients with the dynamics of always having climate-smart high quality tankers in the right position at the requested time.” Johan Källsson, managing director of Erik Thun, adds: “We always strive to meet our customers’ various demands with the best solution available for the time being, as their sustainable Swedish partner over generations.” thuntankers.com