R&K Takes Delivery of its First Green Bulk Carrier

The vessels were built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering

Principals of UK-based shipbrokers and agents Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd. (R&K) said today in a press release they have taken delivery of the first of two "green" supramax bulk carriers.

Design features include reduced wind resistance to increase potential energy efficiency, machinery arrangements in accordance with EC Directives aimed at reducing the emission of SOx while in port, and an approved UV ballast-water treatment system which records a comprehensive inventory of hazardous materials in accordance with Lloyd's Register's Green Passport service.

“This is a very significant delivery for us because MV Astra Centaurus is the first green bulk carrier of our newbuilding project,” said Dimitris Monioudis, Technical Director, Rethymnis and Kulukundis.

"The delivery was greatly assisted by Lloyd’s Register’s worldwide network of technical experts in South Korea, the UK, Greece and China," he added.

The 58,518 dwt Astra Centaurus was designed and built to Lloyd’s Register class by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) with construction taking place at their new shipyard at Yantai, Shandong, China.

The second ship, Astra Perseus, is expected to be delivered in September 2012.

“Society is demanding safer, cleaner ships and we are using our experience and technical expertise to support their construction,” said Nick Brown, Lloyd’s Register’s Area General Manager and Marine Manager, Greater China.

The press release said both vessels have been designed to incorporate Lloyd's Register's Environmental Protection 'EP' notations, which recognises their enhanced features and demonstrates the owner’s commitment to, and investment in, environmentally friendlier ships.