Hagland Shipping orders four methanol-ready bulk carriers

Norwegian shipping company Hagland Shipping has ordered four 5,000 DWT methanol-ready self-discharging bulk carriers from Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes.

PHOTO: Representatives of Hagland Shipping and Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes. Hagland Shipping

Methanol-ready means that the vessels will not be capable of running on methanol upon delivery, but they will have the option to be retrofitted for methanol propulsion in the future. This implies they will likely run on fossil marine fuels upon delivery.

Hagland Shipping has invested over NOK 800 million ($75.6 million) in these four self-discharging vessels. The first ship is expected to join the fleet by the end of 2025.

The vessels will be equipped with batteries, which will help improve fuel efficiency.

Shipowners are increasingly turning to methanol as a low-emission alternative to conventional marine fuels. Last month, Norwegian container ship operator MPC Container Ships (MPCC) launched two methanol-ready container ships from South Korean shipbuilding company HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.

According to the classification society DNV's data, there are currently 304 confirmed methanol-fuelled vessels in operation and on order for delivery by 2028.

By Aparupa Mazumder 

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