Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co has reached a significant milestone in the dry bulk sector, delivering what the shipbuilder describes as the world’s first LNG dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier, according to Ship & Bunker.
A Historic Handover at Fukuyama
The vessel, named Oceana Frontier, was officially handed over at Tsuneishi’s Fukuyama shipyard this week, as reported by Ship & Bunker, citing a statement published on the shipbuilder’s website on Tuesday.
Ship & Bunker reports that the Oceana Frontier is equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on both LNG and conventional marine fuels. Notably, the vessel achieves more than a 50% reduction in the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) — a result that considerably exceeds the IMO’s Phase 3 requirement of 30%, which came into effect in 2025.
Efficiency Through Design and Technology
According to Ship & Bunker, the vessel’s strong efficiency performance is attributed to hull optimisation and a combination of energy-saving technologies, including a shaft generator. The report also notes that Tsuneishi has not disclosed the identity of the vessel’s owner.
A Growing LNG Fleet and a Pattern of Industry Firsts
The Oceana Frontier‘s delivery arrives as the global LNG-fuelled fleet continues to expand. Based on classification society DNV data cited by Ship & Bunker, there are currently 921 LNG-fuelled ships in operation worldwide, with an additional 663 vessels expected to enter service by 2030. Ship & Bunker notes that this fleet growth is anticipated to drive increasing demand for bio-LNG, a lower-emission alternative to conventional LNG.
This delivery also reinforces Tsuneishi’s growing track record in alternative-fuel vessels. Ship & Bunker reports that the shipbuilder earlier delivered the world’s first dual-fuel methanol Kamsarmax bulk carrier, which was chartered to global commodities firm Cargill.
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Sources: Ship & Bunker
