https://splash247.com/ns-united-makes-methanol-newcastlemax-newbuild-move/

Japanese shipping company NS United Kaiun Kaisha has finalized an agreement with Nihon Shipyard, a joint venture between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United, for the construction of a methanol dual-fuel newcastlemax bulk carrier. This Tokyo-based bulker giant disclosed that the 209,000 dwt vessel will represent a next-generation environmentally friendly addition to its fleet, primarily intended for transporting raw materials both domestically in Japan and internationally.

 The 300-meter-long bulker is meticulously designed to comply with the EEDI Phase 3 requirements and is slated for deployment into service in 2027 or thereafter. This decision aligns with the company's overarching mid-term investment strategy and its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With a fleet encompassing over 200 ships, NS United Group has earmarked approximately $1.4 billion for fleet rejuvenation by 2030, with a substantial portion of around $290 million designated for environmental initiatives, including engine conversions. Notably, a significant portion of this investment, totaling around $1 billion, is allocated for vessels powered by alternative fuels like methanol. NS United has actively engaged in various biofuel trials and is part of a collaborative effort, alongside MAN Energy Solutions, K Line, Itochu, and Nihon Shipyard, to develop 200,000 dwt ammonia-fueled bulk carriers.