MOL’s LNG-powered bulker to start work with JFE Steel

MOL’s LNG-powered bulk carrier, Verde Heraldo, is ready to start working for Japanese steel manufacturer JFE Steel under a charter deal.

Back in 2021, JFE Steel signed long-term charter deals for three 210,000-ton LNG-powered bulk carriers.

The steel producer signed the three deals with compatriot shipping giants MOL, NYK Line, and K Line.

MOL announced on April 18 that the naming and delivery ceremony for the LNG-fueled capesize bulker, Verde Heraldo, was held at the Saijo Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding.

Verde Heraldo means “Green Pioneer” in Spanish.

The vessel will sail under long-term transport contracts to supply raw materials for JFE Steel’s mills, MOL said.

After departing from the yard, LNG fuel will be supplied directly to the vessel through shore-to-ship bunkering at the Osaka Gas-operated Senboku terminal.

The vessel will then sail for Australia.

It is 299.99 meters long, 50 meters wide, witha a draft of 18.4 meters.

The global fleet of LNG-powered vessels continues to grow.

DNV’s most recent data shows that 690 LNG-powered ships are in operation and 644 LNG-fueled vessels are on order.

These statistics do not include smaller inland vessels or dual-fuel LNG carriers.

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