In February 2022, Australia’s multinational mining, metals and petroleum public company, BHP, welcomed the world’s first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carrier, arrived in Singapore for its first bunkering operation.
Singapore is the largest bunkering hub on the planet. BHP has engaged Singaporean ship management company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) to charter five LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers for five years, and it has awarded the LNG fuel contract to Shell. Mount Tourmaline, a 209,000-deadweight ton vessel, which was constructed by China’s Shanghai Waigaoqia Shipbuilding, will transport iron ore between Western Australia and Asia. BHP will be working with suppliers to embed innovative and sustainable solutions for its supply chain.
The vessel will deliver significant improvements to energy efficiency and emissions intensity, as well as reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain by more than 30%. It will also contribute towards the 2030 goal of a 40% emissions intensity reduction of BHP-chartered shipping. EPS stated that these dual-fuel LNG Newcastlemax vessels represent a culture shift in shipping and mining. These ships are considered evidence that significant carbon emission reduction is currently available and necessary to implement, in a path towards net zero solutions.
(Sources: Offshore Energy, BHP)
