Dual-fuel engines for Newcastlemax carriers

Five 210,000dwt Newcastlemax bulk carriers, under construction at China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding for Singapore owner, Eastern Pacific Shipping, are to have MAN dual-fuel 6G70ME-GI Mk 10.5 engines. The vessels, due for delivery during 2022, are understood to have been chartered to Australian miner, BHP, on five-year contracts to haul coal from Australia to China.

Speaking of the vessels, EPS chief executive Cyril Ducau said: “This deal sends a clear signal to the industry that progressive companies, like BHP, have viable options to lower their carbon footprint today. When these vessels deliver in 2022, they will be the cleanest and most efficient in the entire dry bulk shipping fleet and will be IMO 2030 compliant eight years ahead of schedule.”

This deal comes close on the heels of another contract in which Hafnia, a merger of Hafnia Tankers and BW Tankers, chose MAN ME-GI dual-fuel engines for two 115,000dwt LR2 tankers ordered at Guangzhou Shipyard International. The company has an option for two more ships and French oil major, Total, has agreed to charter the vessels from delivery.