Aasen Shipping orders three hybrid methanol-ready bulkers

Norway’s Aasen Shipping has returned to Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes with an order for three hybrid-powered methanol-ready self-discharging bulk carriers.

The order for 119,95-m-long newbuilds follows Bodewes’ delivery of battery-hybrids Aasfjell and Aasfoss in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The new ships, with the first delivery planned for December 2025, will have a similar design as the previous duo but with some upgrades, the shipbuilder said.

The units will feature a large battery pack, which will enable peak shaving for both the main engine and the auxiliary engine. They will feature electric cargo handling, be able to self-load and self-discharge completely free of emissions in ports fit to provide shore power and be ready to be rebuilt to run on green methanol once the fuel becomes available.

Mosterhamn-based Aasen is a family-owned business established in 1981. The company owns and operates around 10 self-discharging bulkers, ranging from 6.000 dwt to 9.500 dwt.