Methanol-fuelled bulk carrier design unveiled

Singapore-based dry bulk owner and operator, SDTR Marine Pte Ltd, the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) and classification society ABS have unveiled a design for a methanol-fuelled 85,000dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier.

SDARI’s design for conventionally fuelled bulk carriers of this size has already met with considerable market success. The company had notched up 37 construction contracts by late 2021. Now it has designed a methanol-fuelled vessel of similar specification.

SDTR contributed operational data while ABS provided a methanol fuel analysis and market outlook. The classification society also carried out a vessel performance evaluation under various operating scenarios inlcuding the European Union’s Emissions Trading System.

Gao Dehui, SDTR CEO, commented: “Continuous innovation to be a greener company is one of SDTR Marine Pte Ltd’s key objectives and goal. The joint development of the methanol-fuelled 85,000dwt bulker with SDARI and ABS is an important step for SDTR in our process in achieving a zero-carbon fleet in the future.”

SDARI chief engineer, Wang GangYi, said: “The advantages of methanol are mainly reflected in the lower transformation cost, and through the ratio of grey methanol and green methanol, it can meet the requirements of GHG emission reduction in 2050.”

ABS vice president, Pacific Regional Business Development, Pier Carazzai, declared: “Methanol is a fuel which has genuine potential to contribute to shipping’s decarbonisation goals. We are delighted to be able to use our experience to support this project.”