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U-Ming orders LNG-fuelled capesizes for Anglo American 10-year charters

Photo: Anglo American peter-whitcutt-high.jpg
Peter Whitcutt, Anglo American
Mining giant Anglo American is opting for LNG to reduce emissions with long term charters for four capesize newbuildings to owned by U-Ming Marine Transport.

U-Ming is ordering four, dual-fuel, 190,000 dwt bulkers from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) in China for delivery through 2023. The newbuildings will be destined for 10-year charters with Anglo American.

The vessels will be equipped with MAN Energy Solutions’ high-pressure ME-GI engines, which according to U-Ming will have “negligible levels of methane slippage”. Anglo American said the vessels would provide a 35% cut in CO2 emissions compared to similar vessels using standard marine fuel oil.

“In our collaboration with Anglo American, we are pleased to be the first in the bulk carrier sector to be awarded a 10-year time charter,” said U-Ming president CK Ong.

“To demonstrate our long-term commitment to sustainability, we are also one of the first few carriers in the world to operate LNG-fuelled bulkers which have been shown to significantly reduce GHG emissions, and these newbuildings will be part of our fleet renewal and decarbonisation strategy.

“Going onward, we are committed to provide sustainable long-term green shipping solutions to our customers with the specific target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% in 2025, compared to 2013.”

The vessels will be Singapore-flagged which will serve as their bunkering port. Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering port has investing in LNG refuelling infrastructure and its first LNG bunkering tanker was launched recently.

Peter Whitcutt, ceo of Anglo American’s Marketing business, said: “Today’s agreement is aligned with Anglo American’s goal to be carbon neutral across our operations by 2040 – as we work to reduce emissions not only at our production sites but also along our entire value chain – and builds on our track record of implementing concrete actions to deliver on the targets set by the International Maritime Organisation’s 2018 strategy.

“LNG is a readily available, commercially viable, lower emission solution which, combined with innovative technology designed to eliminate unburnt methane, will allow these new builds to provide a much improved environmental and more efficient performance.”

The fleet of four vessels is expected to transport around 5m tonnes of iron ore a year from Anglo American’s operations in Brazil and South Africa.