Fednav back at Oshima Shipbuilding for six bulkers

AUGUST 16, 2012 — Fednav Limited, Canada’s largest international bulk carrier operator, today announced it has ordered of six more new vessels to its fleet. The environmentally advanced vessels will be built in Japan by Oshima Shipbuilding, a specialist in bulk carrier construction which is a joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, and the Daizo Corporation.

The six additional vessels will be delivered between 2015 and 2016, as part of a series of 21 new ships ordered for Fednav’s fleet since January 1, 2012.

The 35,000 dwt bulk carriers will be specially equipped for navigating in ice. As highly flexible vessels well suited to international trade, their size is adapted to the dimensions of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Fednav says the new vessels are a major step forward in terms of environmental improvements. With their advanced design and more efficient engines, they will consume 20 percent less fuel and produce 20 percent less emissions than vessels built by Oshima Shipyard for Fednav 10 years ago, ships already among the most efficient of their time. This will contribute significantly to Fednav’s objectives of reducing GHG emissions in its fleet on a continuous basis. The fuel-efficient engines will also reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 20 percent. The vessels will have the DNV “CLEAN-DESIGN” notation.

“The environment is one of our top priorities when we consider the design of a new vessel,” explained Paul Pathy, Fednav President and Co-CEO, upon signing of the contract. “It is very important to us and also to our customers that our vessels not only respect but exceed environmental regulations in Canada and worldwide.”