US order for ‘green’ bulkers

The post-Panamax dry-bulk carriers, of around 95,000dwt, will feature an eco-friendly technology package from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to help the vessels achieve around 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions, through a superior hull form, efficient propulsion systems and the Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System (MALS) technology which is claimed to reduce frictional resistance between the vessel hull and seawater using air bubbles along the bottom of the vessels.

ClassNK, the Tokyo-based ship classification society, has provided project advisory assistance and has been selected as the classification society. Fleet Management of Hong Kong has provided project management.

ADM owns and operates a global transportation network, including 1,700 barges, 58 tug boats, 29 line boats and eight oceangoing vessels, that moves crops from local elevators to processing plants and customers around the world. The fleet of oceangoing vessels – anging in size from Handy and Handymax to Supramax and Panamax – provides the backbone of ADM’s grain transportation programme.

“Adding three new oceangoing vessels to our global transportation network supports our strategy to increase the volume of crops we handle and expand the geographic footprint of our operations worldwide,” said Royce Wilken, officer of ADM Transportation. “It also provides greater flexibility and control of our supply chain while improving our transportation margins.”