China: Universe Shipbuilding starts construction of three LNG-fuelled river-sea bulkers
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by Admin
Universe Shipbuilding (Yangzhou) reportedly launched construction of the first batch of three 18,500 dwt LNG-powered river-sea direct bulk carriers for Zhejiang Huayu Shipping Development recently, according to reports from media outlets in China.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Ren Wenyu, General Manager of Zhejiang Huayu Shipping and President of Zhoushan River-to-Sea Direct Shipping Industry Association, said that the construction of this new ship type is a concrete action for Zhejiang Huayu Shipping to actively respond to the country’s dual carbon policies.
This ship type has a large cargo capacity, shallow draft, low energy efficiency and high efficiency, which indicates that river-sea direct shipping is moving towards a more environmentally friendly and efficient direction.
After completion, this batch of ships will be mainly put into operation from the middle and upper part of the Yangtze River to the Zhoushan Islands, undertaking direct river-sea transportation of bulk goods such as ore, coal, and grain.
According to the Zhoushan Municipal Port and Shipping Authority, the vessels are the first river-sea direct ships in China to only use LNG as a single source of fuel.
The authority said the construction period is expected to take 12 months.
Photo credit: Zhoushan Municipal Port and Shipping Authority
Published: 24 February, 2025
