London-based shipping firm Union Maritime has taken delivery of what it claims is the world’s first LNG and wind-powered LR2 tanker.
China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding delivered the vessel named SPA, which is powered by LNG dual-fuel capability and fitted with WindWings, according to a social media post by Union Maritime.
The LR2 tanker is the first of two vessels of this specification ordered by Union Maritime with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, and marks a “significant” milestone in Union Maritime’s wider newbuild program, the firm said.
“The vessel is designed to meet FuelEU Maritime requirements through to 2040, with performance assessments showing almost a 50 percent improvement against the EEDI baseline and more than a 27 percent improvement against the EEDI Phase 3 requirement,” Union Maritime said.
Last year, Union Maritime closed a $130 million delivery financing agreement, led by Societe Generale and The Export-Import Bank of China, for these two newbuild LR2 tankers, arranged through a syndicated facility.
The second vessel is scheduled for delivery this year.
