ESL Orders "Extremely" Energy Efficient LNG-Powered Bulk Carriers

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday September 27, 2016

ESL Shipping Ltd (ESL) Tuesday said it has signed an agreement with Sinotrans & CSC Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (Sinotrans & CSC) for two "extremely energy efficient" liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered bulk carriers.

ESL says the two ice-class 1A ships will be the first LNG-powered large bulk carriers in the world, and will represent the latest in technology and innovation.

Further, the company notes that, compared to current vessels, the newbuilds will reduce CO2 emissions per tonne of transported cargo by more than 50 percent.

"We are extremely pleased with competence of Sinotrans & CSC Shipbuilding," said Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL.

"Together with Jinling Shipyard we shall make shipping more sustainable and environmentally aware than ever before."

ESL says the new vessels are expected to begin operations in the Baltic Sea within the first half of 2018.

The agreement is noted to ensure the newbuilds' "timely delivery and highest quality," and has no effect on the contract price.

As Ship & Bunker reported in November, ESL said it had placed a €60 million ($63.65 million) order for two of the LNG-propelled 25,600 DWT bulkers.