NS United to Build Methanol Dual Fuel Newcastlemax Bulk Carrier

Recently, the Japanese shipping company NS United announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Imji Shipbuilding, Japan United Shipbuilding (JMU), and its joint venture company Japan Shipyard (NSY) to build methanol dual fuel large bulk carriers.

The partner plans to build the 209000 deadweight ton methanol dual fuel powered Newcastlemax bulk carrier, which is a new generation fuel ship jointly developed by NS United and NSY. It has a total length of about 299.99 meters, a width of about 50 meters, a depth of about 25 meters, and a full load capacity of about 18.40 meters in summer, with a load capacity of about 209000 tons.

The specific number of ships built has not been disclosed, and it is expected that the first ship will be delivered after 2027 for the transportation of raw materials in Japan and overseas. This type of ship will meet the third stage standards of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for ships.

NS United pointed out that methanol is expected to contribute to the greenhouse gas reduction strategy formulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the shipping industry and fuel producers are developing methanol as a marine fuel. Compared with traditional heavy oil, using green methanol as a marine fuel is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80%. Therefore, the company hopes to cooperate with many related companies involved in fuel development to purchase green methanol.

It is understood that NS United owns and operates a fleet of 208 ships. NS United regards methanol dual fuel ships as an important milestone in achieving its environmental goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Last month, NS United signed a memorandum of understanding with several Japanese companies and German engine expert MAN Energy Solutions to commercialize ammonia fueled bulk carriers.