Eastern Pacific Shipping invests in ammonia dual-fuel propulsion

The company has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and yards within the China State Shipbuilding Corporation and intends to install the new engine technology on an unspecified number of vessels of the two types.

Two of the MoUs involve Lloyd’s Register and Qingdao Beihai Shipyard where the Eastern Pacific-managed Newcastlemax bulk carriers will be constructed, and Jiangnan Shipyard where the VLACs will be built. All of the ships will have MAN ES dual-fuel ammonia engines. The third MoU frames cooperation between Eastern Pacific, MAN ES, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and American Bureau of Shipping.

Newcastlemax bulk carriers are larger than capesize vessels typically ranging in size between 205-211,000 dwt. Maximum dimensions to enter the Australian port of Newcastle are a length of 300m and a breadth of 50m.

Eastern Pacific CEO, Cyril Ducau, declared: “We have been talking about energy transition and lowering emissions for years. Today, we are ready to talk about zero-emission solutions. The ammonia engines by MAN ES will be an inflection point for the maritime industry.

“In the next few years, we expect to operate vessels with significantly reduced emissions running on ammonia,” he continued. “Dual-fuel engines like LNG, LPG, and ethane will still play a significant role in various segments. However, with this engine, it will mean that this will be the first time that oceangoing vessels will take a significant step towards zero-carbon emissions. This is a an extremely exciting time for all of us.”

Bjarne Foldager, MAN ES’ Senior Vice President and head of two-stroke, said: “MAN ES is pleased to be developing these state-of-the-art engines for EPS. This is a significant milestone for MAN ES, EPS, and the maritime industry. Together, we will show that ammonia is a commercially viable option for shipowners and managers to become IMO compliant years ahead of schedule. MAN ES looks forward to playing its role in creating a cleaner shipping industry by helping our partners substantially lower their carbon footprint.”

Eastern Pacific oversees a fleet of more than 250 ships of about 23 million dwt consisting of container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers.

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