Berge Bulk orders two 210,000 dwt ammonia-powered bulkers

Singapore-based dry bulk shipowner Berge Bulk has ordered two 210,000 dwt ammonia dual-fuel vessels in China.

The order was placed at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry on February 29, 2024.

As informed, the Newcastlemax bulker duo will meet the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Tier III NOx (nitrogen oxides) standards and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 compliance for greenhouse gas emissions and be powered by ammonia.

Berge Bulk has set an ambitious decarbonization timeline which consists of three key milestones:

• Achieve carbon neutrality by 2025;
• Build and operate a zero-emissions vessel by 2030; and
• Achieve zero emissions fleetwide by 2050.

To meet this timeline, Berge Bulk has developed the four-pillar “Marshall Plan”. The plan focuses on improving fleet efficiency; leveraging the latest maritime technology; converting to new fuels; and capturing the remaining carbon directly or indirectly.

“We are very pleased today to order these ammonia dual fuel vessels as part of our continued journey towards a zero carbon future. The use of ammonia fuel represents an important milestone in our commitment to operate a zero emissions vessel by 2030 and an essential pillar in our plan to decarbonise. We continue to take urgent action in all four areas of our strategy to effectively reduce our current emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2025,” James Marshall, CEO and Founder, Berge Bulk, commented.

The move toward new fuels complements Berge Bulk’s many other decarbonization efforts and projects including a comprehensive program of energy efficiency retrofits, innovative pilots for new wind technology, and a commitment to plant 25 million trees in the coming years.

“Ammonia is a promising zero-carbon fuel for the future of the shipping industry. Berge Bulk has been actively engaged in discussions with key players in the ammonia supply chain. We are encouraged by the steady progress being made with the development of ammonia engines and the logistics of ammonia bunkering. This evolving landscape has given us the confidence to order these two dual fuel ammonia vessels. We are proud to help shape the roadmap from today’s liquid fuel ships to tomorrow’s ammonia-powered ships,” Paolo Tonon, Chief Technical Officer, Berge Bulk, said.

Berge Bulk currently owns, operates and manages a fleet of over 80 fuel-efficient vessels, equating to 14 million dwt.