Hokuetsu’s New Wood-Chip Carrier Delivered

A new wood-chip carrier for Japanese paper manufacturer Hokuetsu Corporation has been delivered, shipping company NYK said.

The 60,360 dwt newbuilding, named Snow Camelia, was handed over to the company at Oshima Shipbuilding in Saikai city, Nagasaki, Japan, on September 11.

NYK and Hokuetsu have a long-term contract for this vessel signed in early 2016.

As explained by NYK, the new carrier is an eco ship that uses about 15% less fuel compared to conventional wood-chip carriers.

Featuring a length of 210 meters and a width of 37 meters, Snow Camelia has a cargo tank capacity of 4.3 million cubic feet. The new ship has a market value of USD 21.71 million, VesselsValue’s data shows.

Snow Camelia is expected to boost the company’s transport capacity of wood chips, which are raw material for paper, Hokuetsu said in a separate statement.

After loading wood chips in Chile, the new ship is scheduled to enter the Niigata Port for the first time in late November this year.

In accordance with its new medium-term management plan “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green,” the NYK Group said it seeks to secure stable freight rates through long-term contracts and continue its efforts to contribute to a stable supply of wood chips.