(Commonwealth) _ Construction for the world’s inaugural fully electric, battery-capable self-unloading bulk carrier is slated to commence in 2024, with delivery expected in 2026. This groundbreaking initiative stems from Canada’s CSL Group, a prominent operator of dry bulk carriers, striving to modernize its fleet and curtail emissions. The forthcoming vessel, boasting an 11,000-deadweight tonnage (dwt), will feature a cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. CSL’s announcement indicates an incorporation of one of the most advanced battery configurations ever seen on a bulk carrier. Around half of the vessel’s energy demands will be met by a blend of shore power and battery energy storage. Moreover, there are strategic plans for future battery enhancements, aiming to facilitate fully electric operations. Louis Martel, President and CEO of CSL, elucidated on the vessel’s pioneering attributes. “This groundbreaking vessel will initially operate on a hybrid diesel and battery system, replacing 25 percent of diesel consumption with electric power and reducing Scope 1 emissions by 40 percent compared to the current Accolade II,” he stated. “Our vision by 2031 is to propel the ship entirely through electric power, thereby slashing Scope 1 emissions to under 10 percent.”
The construction of this new ship stands as a pivotal element within a lengthy 20-year partnership formed with Adelaide Brighton Cement, an Australian-based company with its headquarters in Australia. This specialized vessel is being meticulously crafted to surpass the capabilities of Adbri’s current fleet member, the Accolade II (8,140 deadweight tonnage). The Accolade II, a self-discharging bulk carrier, was initially built in Australia in 1982 and currently operates using marine gas oil or gas as its primary fuel source. Presently docked in Port Adelaide, this vessel is under the management of Inco Ships, handling its day-to-day operations and logistics. The upcoming ship’s creation represents a significant leap forward in technology, efficiency, and environmental considerations compared to its predecessor, aligning with the long-term goals and operational requirements outlined in the enduring collaboration between CSL and Adelaide Brighton Cement. This innovative vessel is tailored to meet the evolving demands of transporting limestone efficiently and sustainably, aiming to optimize the logistical processes while reducing the environmental footprint associated with maritime transport. The forthcoming vessel is poised to bolster the CSL Group’s limestone operations in South Australia, signaling a dedicated commitment to heightened efficiency and environmental stewardship. With a capacity to transport up to 2.7 million tonnes of limestone annually, this marks a substantial 35 percent surge in carrying capability compared to the incumbent vessel.
Mark Irwin, Adbri’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm about integrating one of the world’s premier 100 percent battery electric-capable cargo vessels into their limestone logistics. “The advent of this new vessel, under CSL’s ownership and operation, will fortify Adbri’s capacity to escalate cement volumes at Birkenhead. Simultaneously, it will contribute to producing eco-friendly variants like EvoCem, utilizing limestone as a substitute for clinker,” Irwin remarked.
The design of the cutting-edge self-loading and self-discharging bulk carrier is meticulously tailored to ensure a seamlessly integrated limestone supply chain for Adbri. Highlighting CSL’s concerted efforts to minimize its emissions, the company has embarked on a multifaceted approach. Their initiatives encompass a proactive shift towards biofuels, commencing as early as 2019. Notably, during the 2023 Great Lakes season, CSL achieved a groundbreaking feat by utilizing a record-breaking 16,400 metric tonnes of B100 biodiesel. Moreover, CSL Group, in collaboration with Algoma Central Corporation, initiated a significant development in 2023 by commissioning Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding Co. to construct four state-of-the-art methanol-ready Kamsarmax-based vessels, each with a deadweight tonnage of 72,250, optimized for ocean belt self-unloading operations.
