BHP welcomed MV Mt. Tourmaline, the world’s first LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carrier, that will transport iron ore between Western Australia and Asia from 2022.
On its maiden voyage, the vessel arrived at Jurong Port in Singapore for its first LNG bunkering operation which will take place through the first LNG bunker vessel in Singapore, the FueLNG Bellina.
FueLNG, a joint venture between Shell Eastern Petroleum and Keppel Offshore & Marine, operates the bunker vessel.
After LNG bunkering, the 209,000-deadweight tonne vessel will leave for Port Hedland in Western Australia for Iron Ore loading operations.
This vessel delivers significant improvements to energy efficiency and emissions intensity, as well as reduced overall GHG emissions in our value chain
BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant, said, adding that these LNG-fuelled vessels are expected to reduce GHG emissions intensity by more than 30% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventional fuelled voyage and will contribute towards the company’s 2030 goal to support 40% emissions intensity reduction of BHP-chartered shipping of its products.
Furthermore, Chris Ong, Chairman of FueLNG and CEO of Keppel O&M, stated that LNG plays an important part in the clean energy transition, and “FueLNG is well positioned to support the decarbonisation efforts of the industry.”
