NYK’s LNG dual-fuel bulker has completed its sea trials in China, according to shipbuilder Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS).
CSSC’s SWS said in a statement that the 180,000-dwt dual-fuel bulk carrier (H1462) has returned to the yard on Friday following successful sea trials.
NYK will name the vessel SG Aquamarine.
SWS said this is the first LNG dual-fuel bulk carrier it built for NYK.
The shipbuilder did not provide further information.
In January 2022, NYK ordered this LNG dual-fuel bulk carrier at SWS.
Besides this ship, the Japanese shipping giant placed orders for three additional LNG-fueled bulkers.
Nihon Shipyard will build two bulkers while Namura Shipbuilding will construct one vessel.
NYK said at the time it will take delivery of the LNG-powered bulk carriers sequentially from 2024 to 2025.
Last year, NYK started shipping coal for compatriot Kyushu Electric Power (Kyuden) with what it says is the world’s first LNG-powered Panamax-class bulk carrier.
Oshima Shipyard’s Koyagi yard delivered the Panamax-class bulk carrier, Shoyo, on October 2, 2024.
NYK is expanding its fleet of “environment-friendly” vessels, including LNG-fueled vessels, LPG-fueled vessels, and methanol-fueled vessels.
According to NYK, it had 17 LNG-fueled vessels and two LNG bunkering vessels in its fleet at the end of September this year.
This includes 13 LNG-powered car carriers, two LNG-powered bulkers, and two LNG-powered shuttle tankers.
NYK previously said it plans to introduce 20 LNG-fueled PCTCs in its fleet by 2028.