New biofuel-capable cement carrier to join Eureka Shipping next year

Eureka Shipping, a cement carrier services provider jointly owned by Cyprus-based SMT Shipping and Canada’s CSL Group, is building a biofuel-capable, shore power-ready mechanical/pneumatic cement ship.

The newbuild is currently under construction at the Holland Shipyards Group in the Netherlands and is scheduled for delivery in 2025.

Destined for operation in the Great Lakes, the 12,500 dwt vessel is designed to replace two older vessels while maintaining the same cargo capacity.

“Building a ship aligned with eco-friendly principles is a top priority for both Eureka Shipping and our customer,” Kai Grotterud, Managing Director of Eureka Shipping, commented.

“Our new cement carrier is expected to contribute significantly to decarbonization by drastically reducing the emissions per metric tonne of cargo carried.”

Some of the key features of the new cement carrier are:

• a diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of four generator sets, providing redundancy for both navigation and cargo operation;
• fuel-efficient engines capable of operating on HVO biofuel, to enhance performance and reduce emissions;
• two rudder propellers with 360-degree thrust, plus ‘a powerful’ bow-thruster, for better maneuverability and optimized navigation safety;
• energy-saving measures to minimize power consumption, including LED lighting throughout;
• advanced cargo handling equipment to reduce power usage during loading and unloading operations;
• extensive noise insulations and silencers on machinery and cargo handling equipment;
• prepared for operation on shore power when such power becomes available.

In the interim, prior to the new vessel’s arrival in Canada, MV Sunnanvik, a 8,600 dwt mechanical/pneumatic cement carrier previously operating in Europe, will service its trade routes starting in early April 2024.

Equipped with modified discharge equipment tailored to the customer’s receiving terminals, the vessel will discharge cargo at rates of up to 1,000 tonnes per hour.

As part of Eureka’s commitment to decarbonization, MV Sunnanvik was fitted with two flexible, vertical Ventofoil wing sails from Econowind in 2023. These sails harness wind energy to provide additional thrust, contributing to lower emissions. Conditions permitting, they will be tested on the Great Lakes, enhancing the vessel’s speed in favorable wind conditions.

MV Sunnanvik holds the distinction of being the first sail-equipped vessel to operate in the Great Lakes.

Eureka owns and commercially operates a fleet of self-unloading cement carriers ranging in size from 3,000 to 23,000 dwt in the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean and the Great Lakes.