ArcelorMittal Belgium receives LNG-powered bulk carrier at Ghent

ArcelorMittal Belgium has received the Oceana Frontier, described as the world’s first LNG-powered bulk carrier, at its quay in Ghent, marking the first arrival of an LNG-fuelled bulk carrier for both the steelmaker and North Sea Port.

The vessel arrived in Ghent on September 15 carrying iron ore from Canada for ArcelorMittal Belgium. After unloading its cargo, the Oceana Frontier will return to Canada to load another shipment for the steelmaker.

The vessel is one of five ships in ArcelorMittal’s global raw-material transport fleet that are currently capable of operating on LNG.

LNG use expected to cut emissions

According to North Sea Port, replacing conventional marine fuels with LNG can reduce the vessel’s carbon emissions by approximately 23%, while also significantly reducing sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

For a voyage of around 2,700 nautical miles, LNG use is estimated to lower carbon emissions by approximately 500 metric tonnes per trip.

ArcelorMittal regards LNG as a transitional fuel as it explores ways to reduce emissions from the maritime transportation of raw materials. The company is also evaluating the potential role of newer, more energy-efficient vessels in its future raw-material logistics.

Frederik Van De Velde, CEO of ArcelorMittal Belgium, said that with the Oceana Frontier, the company is taking a concrete step towards making the transport of its raw materials more sustainable, adding that the operation will allow the company to gain experience with a new generation of bulk carriers as part of its efforts to progressively decarbonise its value chain.

Operational experience for ArcelorMittal

The vessel’s arrival will provide ArcelorMittal Belgium with operational experience in receiving and unloading LNG-powered bulk carriers. The knowledge gained could potentially be applied at other ArcelorMittal sites.

North Sea Port has also been preparing its infrastructure to accommodate alternative marine fuels. An independent risk assessment concluded that LNG, hydrogen, methanol and ammonia can be safely bunkered across the port area, including Ghent, Terneuzen and Vlissingen.

The port is continuing to develop pilot projects and infrastructure aimed at supporting the adoption of alternative marine fuels.