Pacific Basin Shipping orders 4 dual-fuel low-emission vessels

After working with Nihon Shipyard Co. and Mitsui & Co. for two and a half years, Pacific Basin Shipping announced that it has placed an order for four 64,000 dwt dual-fuel low-emission vessels (LEVs) that can run on fuel oil and green methanol.

As previously stated, two of the ships are contracted with Mitsui & Co. for delivery in 2028 and 2029, and two are contracted jointly with Nihon Shipyard Co. and Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Nihon Shipyard Co. will construct all of the ships, which will have new designs optimized for fuel efficiency and further enhancements to improve their operational capabilities and safety measures.

Because of their dual-fuel engines, the LEVs can run on both conventional fuel oil and biofuel. They can also run on green methanol, which can produce emissions that are considered “low carbon” or even “net zero” throughout the course of its lifecycle when it is produced using sustainable feedstocks and renewable energy.

Additionally, on November 28, Pacific Basin and Mitsui & Co. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will allow the company to access green methanol volumes, allowing the LEVs to comply with and even benefit from upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulations as well as anticipated IMO global greenhouse gas fuel standard regulations. In order to expand its access to bio-methanol and emethanol, the company is also in communication with a number of green fuel producers and suppliers.