American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has collaborated with SDTR Marine and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) to design a methanol-powered bulk carrier design.
Under the joint development project (JDP), SDARI developed the design of the 85,000DWT methanol-fuelled bulker, with support from ABS, while SDTR provided the main operational data.
The entire development process was reviewed by ABS.
Additionally, ABS conducted a study on the outlook for the methanol as fuel market.
This covered ship performance evaluation in diverse operating situations, such as under the European Union Emissions Trading System (Fuel EU, ETS).
SDTR Marine CEO Gao Dehui said: “As a professional and responsible dry bulk owner, we strive to continuously upgrade and innovate our Kamsarmax fleet to improve their energy efficiency to contribute towards the decarbonisation of the shipping industry. The joint development of the Methanol-Fueled 85,000DWT bulker with SDARI and ABS is an important step for SDTR in our process in achieving a zero-carbon fleet in the future.”
SDARI chief engineer Wang GangYi said: “As one of the popular neo-Panamax bulk carriers, the 85,000DWT BC designed by SDARI has achieved good market response. As of 2021, 37 construction contracts have been signed. Taking into account the decarbonisation requirements of the shipping industry, SDARI has developed a series of new energy fuel solutions for bulk carriers. The 85,000DWT BC, which uses methanol as fuel, is one of them.”
Due to several benefits of methanol, many marine companies are transitioning to the green fuel to help reach greenhouse gas emission reduction goals by 2050.
Earlier this month, Avikus teamed up with ABS to get approval in principle for the application of autonomous vessel capabilities.
