SINGAPORE – Odfjell Group has over the last three years developed an entirely new type of chemical tanker which will be able to sail on a number of different fuels, most probably up to five.
”For us, it makes no sense to bet on one fuel. Our type of trade doesn’t allow it as our ships have to trade and bunker globally. So we need fuel flexibility,” Laurence Odfjell, chairman of Norwegian and family-controlled Odfjell Group, tells ShippingWatch.
“Today we have a more cautious view on ammonia for chemical tankers.”
- Laurence Odfjell, Chairman, Odfjell Group
”The next ship that we order on our own book is therefore going to have a zero emission capable engine, fuel tanks and fuel systems that can handle multiple fuels throughout its lifetime.”
The new vessel is designed to have what the carrier describes as ”unprecedented energy efficiency” with a carbon intensity well below its latest ship series, the Hudong Class, which is already among the most efficient in the world so far.
Some shipowners have already ordered vessels with multi-fuel systems, but so far not in the tanker segment. What Odfjell is preparing for is a system that is able to burn marine gas oil, low-sulphur fuel oil, biofuel, LNG, methanol, ammonia and more.
Laurence Odfjell says that ammonia is an interesting path for several shipping segments to follow, but he emphasizes that it is one of several options in the industry’s transition to net zero.
He also has a cautious word to say about ammonia and chemical tankers: ”We were initially enamored by the idea of ammonia. And its NH3- composition is free of carbon, so there is no carbon in the combustion. Although we do not rule it out, today however we have a more cautious view on ammonia for chemical tankers as it represents higher risks compared to the alternatives when dealing with flammable cargo or cargo that can self-ignite,” he argues.
Size is yet to be decided
Laurence Odfjell adds that the carrier is almost ready to order, ”but if and when we do it, is a different matter.” Odfjell is an integrated shipping group with in-house competencies ranging from shipowning, technical management, crewing to commercial operations.
Odfjell is an integrated shipping group with in-house competencies ranging from shipowning, technical management, crewing to commercial operations
“For us, it makes no sense to bet on one fuel.”
- Laurence Odfjell, Chairman, Odfjell Group
The development of the new prototype is, among other things, based on input from a number of colleagues, among whom are seafarers, supercargoes, superintendents, the bunker team, engineers, IT specialists, brokers and operators.
What about the size of the new ship?
”We have developed designs for several sizes and will eventually bring one or more of these forward to the tendering stage.”
Laurence Odfjell declines to reveal more about the specifications, though he confirms the size will be within the company’s core deep sea tonnage.
