China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has delivered what it says is the world’s first LNG-powered Newcastlemax bulk carrier to Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping.
SWS said in a statement it handed over the 209,000-dwt Mount Tourmaline during a ceremony on Friday.
The vessel will go on a charter to Australian miner BHP. Idan Ofer’s EPS and BHP signed the charter deal for five LNG-powered Newcastlemax bulk carriers in 2020.
BHP previously said the bulk carriers would carry iron ore between Western Australia and China from 2022.
SWS is building two of these bulkers and the yard launched the 209,000-dwt Mount Nova Terra on November 1 as well.
The vessels are about 300 meters long, 50 meters wide, and with a designed draft of 18.4 meters, according to EPS. Also, they feature ME-GI engines and two type C LNG tanks.