On 2 February, Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co, Ltd. (NACKS) held a naming ceremony for the NE433, the second of the four ships of the same type ordered by PBGC Financial Leasing. The new ship was named “BBG Xijiang” and will be handed over to BG Shipping Company for operation and management.
BBG Xijiang is a model of new-generation green and intelligent bulk carrier, which is upgraded on the basis of the existing well-operated old ship type, integrating advanced energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies and intelligent means. The 82,000 DWT bulk carrier, with an overall length of 228.9 metres and a beam of 32.24 metres, is powered by a MAN B&W 6S50ME-C9.7 HPSCR main engine, which meets the IMO’s TIER Ⅲ emission standards and the Ship Energy Efficiency Design Index (SEDI) Ⅲ specification.
It is reported that the ship is scheduled to be delivered on 6 February. It is also the 12th ship jointly built by Nanbu and North Kawasaki. As a representative of the new generation of green and smart ships, the bulk carrier has demonstrated its superior performance during the sea trial.