LNG fueled bulkers are a double first for DNV GL

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime (left) with Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping Limited

JANUARY 11, 2016 — Two 25,600 dwt bulk carriers ordered by Finland’s ESL Shipping back in November (see earlier story) will not only be world’s first large LNG-fueled bulkers, but the first vessels constructed to the new DNV GL rules for general dry cargo ships.

“It is fitting that the first vessels that will be constructed to the most forward looking set of classification rules are themselves at the cutting edge of maritime innovation,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime. “We have created these rules to be ready for the future and we have long pioneered the use of LNG as a ship fuel. To see these two come together in a double first for the industry is a remarkable moment. We look forward to working with ESL, Deltamarin, Sinotrans & CSC Qingshan Shipyard and all the project partners to make this project a success.”

To be built at the Qingshan Shipyard of Sinotrans & CSC SBICO in China for delivery in early 2018, the vessels are optimized for trading in the Baltic Sea region.

Featuring the Deltamarin B.Delta26LNG design, the ships will feature dual-fuel main and auxiliary machinery and will be built to DNV GL ice class 1A. They will have type C LNG tanks of approximately 400 m3 capacity enabling bunkering at several terminals within the Baltic region.The B.Delta26LNG has a shallow draft of maximum 10 m, an overall length of 160 m, and a breadth of 26 m.

“We are proud to be the world’s first shipyard applying the new and innovative DNV GL rules for a newbuilding, just two months after DNV GL has launched its new rules in October this year,” said Liu Guangyao, Deputy General Manager of Sinotrans & CSC. “We appreciate the support that DNV GL has committed to provide on the project during both the design and construction phase, especially in a project with many advanced extra class notations. We are looking forward to a close cooperation and a successful delivery.”

“We are very excited to have been selected to take part in this ground breaking project,” said Morten Løvstad, Business Director Bulk Carriers at DNV GL. “Being asked to work with such an innovative team as the classification partner is a testament to the creativity and hard work that so many colleagues at DNV GL have invested in the new rule set. These vessels will set new standards for efficiency and environmental performance. They are an important step forward in showing how shipping can be a force for sustainability today and in the future.”