NYK welcomes Japan’s first LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carrier

A naming ceremony was held on 30 January for an LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carrier that was ordered by NYK and will be deployed to transport iron ore and coal from Australia to Japan under a long-term consecutive voyage charter contract with JFE Steel Corporation (JFE).

The ceremony was held at Japan Marine United Corporation’s Tsu Shipyard in Mie Prefecture. The naming ceremony was attended by Koji Kakigi, president and CEO of JFE Holdings, Inc., and Takaya Soga, president of NYK, among others.

The vessel is the first capesize LNG-fuelled bulk carrier to be built at a shipyard in Japan (according to an NYK research).

The vessel was named “SG Ocean” to reflect the “SG” of NYK’s “Sail GREEN” brand, which emphasizes reducing GHG emissions through the transport of goods and contributing to the eco-friendly supply chains of customers, and the image of a vessel sailing majestically in the open ocean while protecting the environment.

By utilising LNG-fuel, the vessel will emit approximately no sulphur oxides (SOx), 75% less nitrogen oxide (NOx), and 25% less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to existing conventional heavy-oil-fuelled vessels. Additionally, the vessel will be compliant with the IMO’s NOx emission regulations (Tier III).

The vessel uses the latest 7X62DF-2.1 iCER dual-fuel slow-speed diesel engine by WinGD; this engine halves methane emissions when using LNG fuel.

In addition, due to careful consideration of the equipment and arrangement of the LNG fuel tank and LNG fuel supply system, this ship will maintain the loadable quantity and cargo hold capacity of conventional bulk carriers of the same size despite the increased weight of additional equipment.

Outline of vessel

Length overall: 299.9 meters
Breadth (moulded): 50.00 meters
Draft (scantling): 25.00 meters
Deadweight tonnage: 210,000 tons
Contractor: Japan Marine United Corporation

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 9 February 2024