Dry bulk shipowner ESL Shipping has entered into a marine fuel agreement with Norwegian LNG supplier Skangas, who will supply gas fuel to ESL’s LNG-powered bulk carrier newbuildings.
The two new vessels, which will be the first LNG-fuelled large bulk carriers in the world, will start operating during the first half of 2018. The first of the two vessels was named Viikki in June.
“Our new vessels are full of innovation, and they are pioneers in eco-friendliness and transportation efficiency,” said Mikki Koskinen, managing director of ESL Shipping.
“This is a large step towards even greener shipping. Our combination of latest hull design and numerous other energy saving measures together with usage of LNG as fuel will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cargo transported by more than 50 percent in comparison to present generation of vessels. This agreement also helps us to lower our operational costs,” Koskinen added.
