Kambara Kisen orders MeOH-fuelled bulker for MOL charter

The 81,500cbm dry bulk carrier is expected to be constructed at Tsuneishi’s shipyard in Japan. Upon its delivery, the dry bulk carrier will operate under a long-term time-charter contract with MOL Drybulk Ltd and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL). The vessel is slated to be delivered in 2027.

MOL noted that the vessel is expected to be capable of operating on synthetic methanol or on bio-methanol produced from biogas, which will result in significant greenhouse gas emission reductions on a well-to-wake basis. MOL reiterated its commitment to adopting clean alternative fuels, and noted that the MOL Group aims to have 90 LNG/methanol-fuelled vessels in service by 2030.

MOL announced that the dry bulk carrier is likely to serve transatlantic routes transporting biomass fuels from the east coast of North America to Europe and the UK; within the Pacific basin; as well as transporting grain from the east coast of South America and the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe and the Far East.

The engine supplier was not confirmed. However, The Motorship notes that Tsuneishi specified a MAN B&W 6G50ME-LGIM (-Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) engine for a previous 65,700 dwt bulker project in February, with Mitsui E&S Machinery awarded the contract to supply the dual-fuel engine.