Shandong Shipping Corporation (SDSC) has signed a contract with Beihai Shipbuilding for the construction of two GuaibaMax 325,000 dwt methanol dual-fuel VLOCs, according to Trade Winds.
Currently, SDSC’s order book for the same type of vessels at the shipyard has increased to six, of which four are expected to be delivered in 2027 and another two in 2028.The total value of the six new vessels is about $780 million.
SDSC and Beihai Shipbuilding are understood to have signed for the first four new VLOCs during the China International Maritime Technology Academic Conference and Exhibition in 2023, which are designed for the transportation of iron ore by Brazilian mining giant Vale.
Classed by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and China Classification Society (CCS), the 325,000 DWT GuaibaMax methanol dual-fuel VLOC is designed by China Ship Design & Research Center Co., Ltd, (CSDC) independently, with an overall length of 340 meters and a width of 62 meters.
The VLOC is able to meet NOx Tier III emission standards in both methanol and fuel oil modes, and is fully compliant with EEDI Phase III emission requirements even in fuel oil mode. Compared to conventional fuels, methanol combustion produces fewer harmful emissions, reducing CO2 emissions by 86.5%, NOx emissions by 60% and SOx emissions by 99%.
In addition, the VLOC adopts a number of energy-saving technologies such as wind rotor, high-voltage shore power and shaft generator, aiming to enhance the energy efficiency of its operation.
