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.
