Steel cutting began in China for the first of three new
methanol-fueled tankers being built for the joint venture between Swedish Stena
Bulk and the Swiss-based Proman Shipping. The 49,900 dwt IMOIIMeMAX vessel,
which is scheduled for delivery in early 2022 is being built at the Guangzhou
Shipyard International (GSI) in China.
According to the companies, the Stena Pro Patria, along with
her sister ship the Stena Pro Mare which will begin construction shortly, will
use approximately 12,500 tons of methanol as fuel per year, which will
significantly reduce the volume of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions
resulting from the vessel’s commercial operations, especially compared to the
use of conventional marine fuels. They believe that these vessels will set a
new benchmark for mid-range (MR) tanker sustainability.
It will also benefit from several design and technical
improvements to optimize energy and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the vessel’s
latest generation MAN dual-fuel engines will also feature revolutionary new
water and fuel emulsion technologies to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide
(NOx) emissions without the need for catalytic conversion technology. The
vessels will also be equipped with the latest energy efficiency technology,
including continually controlled combustion, optimized tuning, redesigned and
aerodynamic hull lines, and an energy shaft generator, reducing fuel
consumption and helping to meet strict emissions criteria.
“The steel cutting for Stena Pro Patria is the first step in
a fascinating series of projects that will further strengthen Stena’s
commitment to sustainability excellence and with spearheading shipping’s fuel
innovation and wider decarbonization journey,” said Erik Hånell, President and
CEO of Stena Bulk. “We’re proud to embrace a partnership approach through our
successful joint venture with Proman to bring their exceptional latest
innovations and dedicated expertise in the methanol field together with our
progressive vision for minimum environmental impact.”
Available at over 100 ports around the world and providing
significant CAPEX cost and safety advantages to comparable alternatives such as
LNG, the company said that methanol offers a clear pathway towards meeting the
International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) commitment to cut carbon emissions.
Compared with regular marine fuel, methanol offers a more than 95% reduction in
sulfur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter, and a 60% reduction in nitrogen
oxides (NOx).
The agreement to build two methanol-ready tankers, which was
the first deal signed by the joint venture between Stena Bulk and Proman
Shipping, was finalized in November 2019 with Guangzhou Shipyard International
(GSI) in China. A third vessel, the Stena Prosperous, due for delivery in the
second half of 20022 was added to the order in November 2020.
The first two ships will be jointly owned by the two companies and operate on
long term charter to Proman Shipping after delivery. The Stena Prosperous will
initially be deployed by Stena Bulk within their traded pool of ships for a
period of two to three years, making it the first methanol dual-fuel powered
ship traded on the chemicals / CPP market by a conventional shipowner without
an active contract to a methanol producer. After this initial period, the Stena
Prosperous will then enter into a long-term time charter with Proman Shipping.