Beihai Shipbuilding pushes ahead with CMB.TECH's ammonia bulker fleet

Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry (BSIC), an arm of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has marked new construction milestones for four future-proof vessels being built for Belgium-based shipowner CMB.TECH.

As announced by CSSC in a statement on October 16, Beihai Shipbuilding has floated out a pair of brand-new 210,000 dwt ammonia-fueled bulk carriers (Hulls no. 45 and 54) from the dry dock and held a keel laying ceremony for two 210,000 dwt ammonia-ready bulkers (Hulls no. 56 and 63).

Regarding the ammonia-powered duo, officials from CSSC have specified that four main auxiliary engines and one auxiliary boiler have finally been installed, connected and prepared for testing. The ‘milestone’ marked the readiness of the newbuilding’s main power generation and steam systems prior to sea (or dock) trials.

It is understood that, before the float-out, inspections were conducted to verify that the units’ essential onboard systems were fully integrated and functional for further examination.

More importantly, owing to their ability to be powered by ammonia, the bulk carriers are expected to achieve a ‘tremendous’ reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as a 75%