Norwegian shipping company Hagland Shipping has signed a contract with Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes for the construction of four methanol-ready self-discharging bulk carriers.
As disclosed, the 5,000 dwt ships will have several innovations to reduce emissions. The vessels will be equipped with an engine solution that can be converted to methanol operation in the future.
Compared to the oldest ships in Hagland’s existing fleet, the bulkers are expected to reduce CO 2 emissions by 40-50% and NO x emissions by 90-95% from delivery.
In total, the investment is more than NOK 800 million ($75.6 million) and will be the single biggest investment in the group’s history, the company noted.
The project has received support from the fleet renewal program for shortsea shipping.
The first ship is expected to join the fleet around year-end 2025. The self-discharging bulkers will fly the Norwegian flag.
In November last year, Hagland welcomed the last ship of three newbuild hybrid bulkers from Royal Bodewes. Hagland initially signed a contract with the Dutch shipbuilder for two battery-hybrid bulker; however, the firm decided to purchase one additional 5,000 dwt bulk carrier in February 2022.
“We are proud to be able to enter into yet another contract for newbuildings with high focus on efficiency and low emissions. The experience with the last three ships has been very good and the new vessels will be a further improvement,” Hagland stated.
The shipowner aims to achieve greener short sea shipping through reduced local and global greenhouse gas emissions and reduced noise.