Winning International orders six methanol-ready ore carriers

Singapore-based Winning International Group has signed an agreement with China’s Hengli Group for the construction of six methanol-ready ore carriers.

As informed, the shipbuilding deal for six 325,000 dwt ore carriers was inked at the end of June.

The newly contracted ore carriers are of the WinningMax series and were designed in collaboration with Shanghai Ship Design Institute (SDARI), which operates under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

The ships will measure 329.99 meters in length, 60 meters in width, and 30.5 meters in depth, with a draft of 22 meters. They will be able to travel at the speed of 13.9 knots.

Winning International noted that the ore carriers were developed to meet the Phase III requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). They will be equipped with a 12,000 cbm methanol fuel storage tank, to enable future zero-carbon operations with green methanol.

According to the Singapore-based firm, the WinningMax ships are expected to reduce ton-mile energy consumption by nearly 50% compared to Baltic Capesize vessels.

The ships were designed in line with the company’s green and sustainable development strategy.

Winning International is building a series of ultra-large ore carriers to handle the ocean transportation of bauxite and iron ore from Guinea. 

Earlier on, the company placed an order for two 325,000 dwt ore carriers at CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding and China State Shipbuilding Trading.

The bulkers, to be classed by DNV and CCS classification societies, feature a depth of 30.50 meters, a structural draft of 22.00 meters, and a speed of 13.9 knots. They are also designed to meet the requirements of Phase III of the Energy EEDI for ships.

Winning International Group is a comprehensive conglomerate encompassing shipowner business, shipping operation, maritime transshipment, ship management, mining development, and railway construction and operation.

The company controls and operates over 100 vessels, with a self-owned fleet consisting of 43 Capesize bulk carriers with a total capacity of more than 8 million dwt.