Fairfield Chemical Carriers has ordered two LNG-powered chemical tankers at Japan’s Fukuoka Shipbuilding as the Connecticut-based firm looks to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.
Under the deal revealed on Thursday, Fukuoka will build two 26,300-dwt stainless
steel chemical tankers with options for an additional four vessels.
In addition, the yard will deliver the two dual-fueled vessels in the second half of 2023.
FCC said in a statement it has worked for two years with Fukuoka on the project to design and bring to market the company’s “next generation” parcel chemical tankers.
The vessels will feature 26 duplex stainless steel cargo tanks, energy reducing
improvements to hull design and equipment, as well as a smart ship platform to further optimize performance and efficiency.
Moreover, Fairfield said it would appoint “dual-fuel/LNG experienced” Anglo Eastern Ship Management as the technical manager of the vessels.
“A commitment to acting quickly and meaningfully to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations in advance of reductions mandated under IMO2030 is core to our fleet development strategy,” Todd Clough, president of the group, said.
CCO Jacob de Vries added that new propulsion technology, additional tanks, and other operational/design improvements mean bigger investment in the ships.
“LNG pricing and bunkering infrastructure on our trade lanes, increased trading flexibility from the new tank layout, cost saving benefits from the new design, and strong demand from our customers will allow FCC to trade the vessels competitively despite the additional initial cost,” he said.
The FCC fleet currently consists of 40 fully stainless steel chemical tankers between 19,900-dwt and 26,000-dwt, with an average age of 4 years.
In addition to the LNG-powered vessels, the group has also four 19,900-dwt and two 25,000-dwt parcel chemical tanker vessels on order with Fukuoka.