Norway’s Aasen Shipping has returned to Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes with an order for three hybrid-powered methanol-ready self-discharging bulk carriers.
The order for 119,95 m long newbuilds follows Bodewes’ delivery of battery-hybrids Aasfjell and Aasfoss in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The new ships, with the first delivery planned for December 2025, will have a similar design as the previous duo but with some upgrades, the shipbuilder said.
The units will feature a large battery pack, which will enable peak shaving for both the main engine and the auxiliary engine. They will feature electric cargo handling, be able to self-load and self-discharge completely free of emissions in ports fit to provide shore power and be ready to be rebuilt to run on green methanol once the fuel becomes available.
“The combination of a modern hull, battery pack and variable frequency drive, reduce emissions and fuel consumption to a much lower level than any comparable ships on the market. These ships will cut emissions, reduce fuel costs, and also keep carbon costs to a minimum,” Royal Bodewes noted.
Mosterhamn-based Aasen is a family-owned business established in 1981. The company owns and operates around 10 self-discharging bulkers, ranging from 6,000 dwt to 9,500 dwt.
