On August 4, CSSC Beihai Shipbuilding announced that it had formally signed a contract with South Korea’s Polaris Shipping for the construction of four 210,000 DWT ore carriers powered by ethanol-based tri-fuel engines.
The 210,000 DWT tri-fuel powered ore carrier signed this time is a new generation of “Sirius” series flagship vessel independently developed by Beihai Shipbuilding. The new vessel adopts a three-fuel power solution of ethanol/methanol/fuel oil, using ethanol as the main fuel. Compared with traditional heavy oil, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 90%, and reserves the feasibility of converting ammonia fuel or LNG fuel in the future.
The new vessel is equipped with a range of energy-saving technologies, including a wind-assisted propulsion system, variable-frequency drive technology, high-voltage shore power, and a shaft generator. The cargo hold structure of this vessel type has been specially designed to carry Class A cargoes subject to liquefaction under the IMSBC Code, and it is equipped with a comprehensive structural stress monitoring system to ensure the vessel’s structural safety during navigation.
Beihai Shipbuilding stated that this project marks another major breakthrough for the company in Vale’s green-fuel vessel program, following the project for 325,000 DWT tri-fuel (ethanol/methanol) ore carriers.
As previously reported, Vale selected three Asian shipowners to advance a project for 20 Newcastlemax bulk carriers/ore carriers: South Korea’s HMM (8 vessels), Polaris Shipping (6 vessels), and Shandong Shipping (6 vessels).
HMM disclosed orders for eight Newcastlemax vessels early last month; the total contract value is $843 million, with a unit price of $105 million, though the identity of the shipyard has not yet been revealed.
Regarding shipyards, Beihai Shipbuilding signed an order on July 16 with ICBC Financial Leasing and COSCO SHIPPING Bulk for four 210,000-dwt bulk carriers, featuring a design that is “dual-ready” for methanol and ammonia fuel. According to Beihai Shipbuilding, the shipbuilder currently holds the world’s largest orderbook for large bulk carriers, with production schedules for some vessels extending as far as 2031.