German duo aims for 20% emission cut on iron ore shipments

German shipowner Oldendorff Carriers and compatriot steelmaker Salzgitter have signed a deal to cut GHG emissions from seaborne transport of iron ore to Hamburg.

IMAGE: The Port of Hamburg. Getty Images

Oldendorff will deploy bulk carriers “operated with a focus on fuel-efficient practices,” to transport iron ore from various loading ports to Hamburg, the company has claimed.

The collaboration will begin in January next year, Oldendorff said. It is expected to reduce at least 20% CO2-equivalent emissions, cutting about 19,000 mt of CO2-equivalent emissions over the contract period.

The shipping company will use its “eco-type” bulk carriers, it said. “Optimized hull forms, advanced engine technology, and additional fuel-saving features contribute to a lower carbon intensity per tonne of cargo transported,” it added.

However, the company did not disclose details about the type of fuel these vessels will use, dual-fuel capability, or the use of supplementary efficiency measures such as shore power or wind propulsion.

Salzgitter will incur no additional costs because of these measures, the shipping firm said, adding that improved fuel efficiency will yield operational savings and contribute to the decarbonisation targets of both companies.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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