Beihai Shipbuilding Delivers Fourth LNG-Fueled Bulker “Ruri Earth” to MOL

Beihai Shipbuilding and China Shipbuilding Trading Co. (CSTC) have announced the delivery of Ruri Earth, the fourth 210,000 deadweight ton (dwt) LNG-fueled bulk carrier built for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). The naming and delivery ceremony took place on November 5, marking another milestone in the shipbuilder’s collaboration with the Japanese shipping major.

The newly delivered Capesize bulker, sailing under the Liberian flag, was designed by the China Ship Design & Research Center (CSDC) and classed by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Representatives from China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) confirmed that the handover of Ruri Earth concludes the first batch of joint projects with MOL, with a second series of vessels scheduled to begin construction in the first half of 2026.

According to technical specifications shared by CSSC, Ruri Earth features an overall length of 299.95 meters, a breadth of 50 meters, and a depth of 25.2 meters. The vessel is capable of reaching a service speed of 14 knots and is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system capable of operating on both conventional fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

CSSC noted that Ruri Earth complies with the latest environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The LNG-fueled system enables a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. Data from industry coalition SEA-LNG indicates that LNG dual-fuel ships can reduce GHG emissions by up to 23% and remain compliant with IMO’s carbon intensity requirements through 2039.

The delivery underscores MOL’s continued investment in alternative-fuel vessels as part of its long-term decarbonization strategy, aligning with the maritime sector’s broader shift toward cleaner energy solutions.