LNG-powered Ubuntu Liberty joins Anglo American’s chartered fleet

UK-based mining company Anglo American has welcomed Ubuntu Liberty, the last ship in its 10-strong-chartered fleet of Capesize+ LNG dual-fueled bulk carriers.

The company announced the delivery on February 28, stating that Ubuntu Liberty’s maiden voyage from China to South Africa to collect iron ore cargo will mark the successful on-time delivery of all ten ships built over the last three years at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.

The Ubuntu fleet is a key component of Anglo American’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality for its controlled ocean freight by 2040, aligning with the company’s Sustainable Mining Plan commitment to carbon-neutral operations across its mines by the same year.

The LNG dual-fuelled vessels offer an estimated 35% reduction in emissions compared to ships fuelled by conventional marine oil fuel and are the most efficient vessels of their type today, the company claims.

Out of the ten-strong fleet, four LNG-powered bulkers were ordered by Bocomm Leasing, four by Taiwanese shipping major U-Ming, and two by Greek-based Maran Dry Management, data from VesselsValue shows.

With a total length of 299.80 meters, a molded width of 47.5 meters, and a molded depth of 24.7 meters, the ships are equipped with two C-type LNG fuel tanks respectively, and have a gas cruising range of 20,000 nautical miles.

They are fitted with MAN Energy Solutions’ B&W 6G70ME-C10.5-GI dual-fuel main engines, and the gas-burning mode meets the IMO Tier III emission standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx), which requires the use of advanced emission control technologies or alternative fuels.

According to Anglo American, since the first vessel was loaded in early 2023, the Ubuntu fleet has successfully and safely moved 6.4 million tonnes of iron ore and steelmaking coal across global shipping routes.

Additionally, the Ubuntu fleet has conducted over 30 refueling stops for LNG in strategic locations such as Singapore and Malaysia.

Matt Walker, CEO of Anglo American’s Marketing business, pointed out that the latest delivery puts the company “in a market leading position as the charterer of the largest LNG dual-fuelled Capesize+ fleet in the world.”