ESL Shipping has constructed its first large LNG dual-fuelled bulk carriers which is reportedly the first line of vessels to be built to the new set of DNV GL rules.

DNV GL-Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen said: "We have created these rules to be ready for the future and we have long pioneered the use of LNG as a ship fuel.

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"To see these two come together in a double first for the industry is a remarkable moment.

"These vessels will set new standards for efficiency and environmental performance."

"We look forward to working with ESL, Deltamarin, Sinotrans & CSC Qingshan Shipyard and all the project partners to make this project a success."

The two 25,600 dwt vessels are based on the deltamarin B.Delta26LNG design, and extend to length of 160m and a breadth of 26m.

It has a shallow draft of maximum 10m and is fitted with dual-fuel main and auxiliary machinery which is expected to curb the emission of carbon-dioxide to half per ton of cargo transported.

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The bulk carriers will be aligned to the new DNV GL rules for general dry cargo ships with DNV GL ice class 1A and will be fitted with C LNG tanks of approximately 400m3 capacity.

The vessels will service the Baltic Sea region and are expected to be delivered in early 2018.

DNV GL Bulk Carriers business director Morten Løvstad said: "Being asked to work with such an innovative team as the classification partner is a testament to the creativity and hard work that so many colleagues at DNV GL have invested in the new rule set.

"These vessels will set new standards for efficiency and environmental performance.

"They are an important step forward in showing how shipping can be a force for sustainability today and in the future."

Image: DNV GL CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen (left) with ESL Shipping Limited managing director Mikki Koskinen. Photo: courtesy of DNV GL AS.

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