Maran Dry takes delivery of first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemaxes

The two Newcastlemax bulk carriers, Ubuntu Unity and Ubuntu Community, were delivered from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Ship Building Co., Ltd. (SWS) on 28 February and 18 April, respectively. The two DNV-classed vessels are the first LNG-fuelled bulk carriers to join the MDM fleet.

The 190,000-dwt vessels, registered with the Greek flag, will sail using LNG. The use of LNG will lead to significant reductions in CO2 and NOx, while almost eliminating SOx and particulate matter emissions. With a combination of dual-fuel, hull optimisations and energy efficiency measures, the vessels have a very advantageous and low EEDI rating, much lower than the baseline.

“Maran Dry Management, as part of the Angelicoussis Group, is committed to decarbonization and embraces sustainability initiatives to optimise its fleet environmental performance”, said Captain Babis Kouvakas, Managing Director at Maran Dry Management Inc. (MDM). “We are delighted to have collaborated with DNV and SWS on the design and development of these modern and environmentally friendly ships. Both vessels incorporate the latest technology, aiming to reduce carbon emissions.”

“We are very pleased to have been involved with the charterer, owner, yard and designers from the outset of this project,” said Morten Løvstad, Vice President and Global Business Director for Bulk Carriers, DNV Maritime. “These highly efficient and innovative vessels, with dual-fuel engines, and an optimized hull design, show MDM’s commitment to meeting environmental regulations not just today but over the long term.”

The vessels are 299.80 meters long, 47.5 meters wide and 24.70 meters deep, with a design draft of 18.25 meters and a design draft speed of 14 knots. They can use both LNG and conventional fuel and are equipped with two type-C LNG fuel tanks. The capacity of the LNG tanks means that the vessels could operate for 20,000 nautical miles powered by gas, allowing the vessels to complete two round-trip routes from China to Australia or one round-trip route from China to Brazil.

“The delivery of these vessels is another milestone in the close cooperation being forged between the Angelicoussis Group and DNV,” said Ioannis Chiotopoulos, Senior Vice President, and Regional Manager South East Europe, Middle East and Africa, DNV Maritime. 

The Ubuntu vessels are on charter to global mining company Anglo American.