LNG-fuelled capes eyed along ‘Green Corridor’ connecting Oz with China

A group of maritime players are looking at LNG fuelled capesizes to move along a so-called ‘Green Corridor’ between Australia and China.

BHP Billiton, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Rio Tinto, SDARI, Woodside, and DNV GL have signed up for the Green Corridor project and will assess the commercial potential of LNG fuelled vessels in the Australian – China dry bulk trades, culminating in the creation of a next generation capesize design that will undergo Approval in Principle (AiP) under the new DNV GL rules.

“As we approach the entry into force date for sulphur emissions, we are seeing interest in LNG as a ship fuel start to climb again,” said Morten Lovstad, DNV GL – Maritime business director bulk carriers. “As one of the largest LNG exporters in the world and with bunkering infrastructure coming online, Australia is well placed to support the bulk trade on the west coast with LNG as fuel. By working together with some of the industry’s technology leaders we are confident this new project has the potential to deliver a competitive, compliant and safe vessel and the business case to back it up.”