Japan’s first LNG-powered Capesize bulker delivered

The first Capesize LNG-fueled bulk carrier to be built at a shipyard in Japan has been named and delivered.

The naming ceremony was held at Japan Marine United Corporation’s (JMU) Tsu Shipyard in Mie Prefecture on January 30.

The 210,000 dwt vessel, SG Ocean, was ordered by NYK and will be deployed to transport iron ore and coal from Australia to Japan under a long-term consecutive voyage charter contract with JFE Steel Corporation (JFE). It features a length of 299.9 meters and a width of 50 meters.

NYK is expanding its fleet of LNG-fueled vessels to meet the NYK Group’s goal of reducing GHG emissions by 45% from fiscal 2021 levels by fiscal 2030 while taking on the challenge of decarbonizing an entire supply chain.

The new Capesize vessel was named SG Ocean to reflect the “SG” of NYK’s “Sail GREEN” brand, which emphasizes reducing GHG emissions through the transport of goods and contributing to the eco-friendly supply chains of customers, and the image of ‘a vessel sailing majestically’ in the open ocean while protecting the environment.

By utilizing LNG fuel, the vessel will emit approximately no sulfur oxides (SOx), 75% less nitrogen oxide (NOx), and 25% less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to existing conventional heavy-oil-fueled vessels. Additionally, the vessel will be compliant with the IMO’s NOx emission regulations (Tier III).

The vessel uses the latest 7X62DF-2.1 iCER dual-fuel slow-speed diesel engine by Swiss engine designer WinGD. This engine halves methane emissions when using LNG fuel. In addition, due to careful consideration of the equipment and arrangement of the LNG fuel tank and LNG fuel supply system, this ship will maintain the loadable quantity and cargo hold capacity of conventional bulk carriers of the same size despite the increased weight of additional equipment.