First LNG dual-fuel bulk carrier enters into service

Mining company Anglo American announced that its newly launched liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fueled Capesize+ vessel, the Ubuntu Harmony, has loaded its first cargo of iron ore from its Kumba operations in South Africa.

The 190,000-tonne bulk carrier, flagged in Singapore, is the first of 10 LNG dual-fueled newbuilds that Anglo American will introduce to its chartered fleet during the course of 2023 and 2024, delivering an estimated 35% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to ships fueled by conventional marine oil fuel. The use of LNG will also lead to a significant reduction of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from vessel exhausts, while new technology also eliminates the release of unburnt methane.

Anglo American aims to achieve carbon-neutrality for its controlled ocean freight by 2040 – with an interim target to reduce emissions from these activities by 30% by 2030 – as part of the company’s wider ambition to halve Scope 3 emissions by 2040.

Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and owned by U-Ming Marine Transport, the vessel completed bunkering in Singapore in early January with LNG provided by Shell Eastern LNG. It arrived in Saldanha Bay, South Africa on January 19 to load a full cargo of iron ore that will be transported to customers in China. The Ubuntu Harmony will be followed by its sister ship Ubuntu Equality, the fleet’s second vessel, which is expected to load her first cargo in February in South Africa.

Anglo American has a number of initiatives underway for the decarbonization of its maritime activities, including energy saving devices fitted to existing vessels, the use of voyage optimization software and a focus on exploring, trialing and adopting alternative, sustainable fuel options – such as LNG, sustainable biofuel, green methanol and ammonia and hydrogen.