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Heidelberg Materials launches new methanol-powered cement carrier

Using primarily green methanol as bunker fuel, the vessel is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 6,000 tonnes annually compared to existing fossil fuel ships.

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Heidelberg Materials launches new methanol-powered cement carrier

Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe, in partnership with the Hartmann Group and the Norwegian NOx Fund, on Thursday (11 December) announced the launch of a methanol-powered cement carrier. 

The company said the vessel marked a major milestone in sustainable distribution of cement.

The vessel is scheduled to start operation in Norway in Q1 2028. Using primarily green methanol as fuel, the vessel will reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 6,000 tonnes annually compared to existing fossil fuel ships.

“This project reflects Heidelberg Materials’ strong commitment to sustainable logistics and long-term climate action. This vessel cuts emissions by 80% and increases our overall transport efficiency. A 10-year contract signals our willingness to support innovation and build lasting partnerships,” said Knut Omreng, Director Logistics, Heidelberg Materials North Europe.

Following a competitive tender involving six shipping companies, the Hartmann Group was selected to design, own and operate the vessel. Also involved as technical managers after delivery of the newbuilding will be former Hartmann Group company InterMaritime Ltd in Cyprus.

Heidelberg Materials and Hartmann Group have a long-standing cooperation and will continue the joint efforts to reduce emissions from shipping of cement.

“We are committed to embrace and invest in environmentally friendly technologies that reduce maritime carbon footprint and promote sustainability. We are proud to be part of this initiative, which demonstrates how cargo owners and shipping companies can jointly drive innovation in low-emission transport,” said Niels Hartmann, CEO, Hartmann Holdings. 

In early 2025, Heidelberg Materials Norway applied for necessary financial support from the Norwegian NOx Fund. Without the grant of 60 million Norwegian Krone, this first methanol-powered cement carrier would have been too expensive. 

“This vessel is a tangible result of public-private collaboration. A NOK 60 million investment from the Norwegian NOx Fund has enabled the development of a highly energy-efficient ship that sets a new benchmark for low-emission bulk transport,” said Tommy Johnsen, Managing Director, Norwegian NOx Fund.

 

Photo credit: Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe
Published: 12 December, 2025

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Singapore-based ONE celebrates maiden voyage of methanol-and-ammonia ready boxship

Following the successful deployment of “ONE Singapore” and its sister vessels, “ONE Solidarity” will be deployed on the Mediterranean Pacific South 2 (MS2) service.

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Singapore-based ONE celebrates maiden voyage of methanol-and-ammonia ready boxship

Singapore-based container shipping company Ocean Network Express (ONE) on Thursday (3 July) said it celebrated the maiden voyage of containership ONE Solidarity as the ship made its first-ever arrival in Shekou, China. 

“As one of our S-series methanol and ammonia ready container vessels, ONE Solidarity is another demonstration of ONE’s commitment to sustainable shipping,” the company said in a social media post. 

Following the successful deployment of ONE Singapore and its sister vessels, ONE Solidarity will be deployed on the Mediterranean Pacific South 2 (MS2) service. 

“Her deployment will boost our service capacity, ensuring faster, more reliable, and highly efficient shipping offerings across key global trade lanes,” the company added.

 

Photo credit: Ocean Network Express
Published: 3 July, 2026

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“Lucia Cosulich” enters final preparation ahead of bunkering operations

Following delivery of the ship in China, it will now enter the final preparation phase ahead of its next operational steps, strengthening Fratelli Cosulich’s ability to provide reliable bunkering solutions.

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“Lucia Cosulich” enters final preparation ahead of bunkering operations

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Thursday (2 July) celebrated the delivery of Lucia Cosulich at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China.

The vessel is the second of four sister methanol-ready IMO II bunker tankers developed within the Group’s fleet expansion programme and follows the launching ceremony held on 2 May 2026.

Designed to support the Group’s bunkering operations and future fuel requirements, Lucia Cosulich is part of the new generation of vessels developed by Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy to combine operational reliability, safety and fuel flexibility.

Lucia Cosulich will now enter the final preparation phase ahead of its next operational steps, further strengthening the Group’s ability to provide reliable bunkering solutions.

“We wish Lucia Cosulich and her crew fair winds on the next stage of her journey,” the company said. 

Related: Fratelli Cosulich launches second methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 3 July, 2026

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DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders down 11.6% in H1 2026

In total, 137 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered in the first half of 2026 compared to 155 in the same period in 2025.

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DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders down 11.6% in H1 2026

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of 15 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in June 2026.

This consisted of 10 orders for LNG-fuelled vessels, nine of which were car carriers and one a CO2 carrier. The remaining five orders were for LPG/ethane carriers.

Two LNG-bunker vessels were also ordered in June, bringing the total in this segment to seven so far in 2026.

In total, 137 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered in the first half of 2026, down 11.6% from 155 in the same period in 2025. 

Over half of these (73) were for LNG-fuelled vessels, with most coming from the container (42) and car carrier (21) segments. LPG/ethane carriers were also prominent, with 55 new orders, a significant uptick compared to the first half of 2025 (15). The remaining orders were for vessels fuelled by methanol (2), ethanol (2), ammonia (4), and hydrogen (1).

Deliveries in the first half of the year point to continued uptake of alternative-fuelled tonnage across several segments, with 61 LNG-fuelled vessels and 38 methanol-fuelled vessels delivered so far in 2026.

More recently, Exmar took delivery of what it described as the first oceangoing dual-fuel ammonia vessel, marking a step beyond earlier ammonia-fuelled deliveries, which have largely been associated with pilot or demonstration projects rather than commercial deployment.

DNV: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders down 11.6% in H1 2026

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “What we can take away from the first half of 2026, in terms of the alternative-fuels orderbook, is that we have a market progressing at different speeds depending on segment economics, fuel availability, and the regulatory landscape. Shipowners and other stakeholders are pursuing different pathways based on their individual priorities and requirements.

“LNG remains the leading near-term fuel option, with order activity continuing to be led by containers and car carriers. LPG and ethane carriers have also accounted for a significant share of activity in the first half of the year, while developments in areas such as ammonia and ethanol show that multiple pathways continue to be explored.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 3 July, 2026

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