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Finnish firm Deltamarin Ltd has confirmed that it has signed a contract to design the world's first LNG handysize bulk carriers.

The two B.Delta26LNG vessels are to be constructed for Finnish shipowner ESL Shipping Ltd by China's Qingshan Shipyard of Sinotrans & CSC SBICO. Deltamarin's contract with the Qingshan Shipyard covers basic and detail design, procurement handling and site assistance for the two vessels based on Deltamarin's B.Delta26LNG design.

Prior to the agreement, Deltamarin had already completed the full concept and contract design of the ship for ESL Shipping.

"Deltamarin and ESL Shipping experts have worked together for two years to develop a ship concept, which takes a significant step by bringing commodity transportation into a new era of greener shipping. The trendsetting design is proof of the Finnish blue cleantech know-how and cooperation," explained ESL Shipping Managing Director Mikki Koskinen.

Upon delivery, the ships are set to be the world's first LNG dual-fuelled handysize bulk carriers. They will be able to bunker with gas fuel in various LNG terminals around the Baltic region.

The LNG-fuelled B.Delta26LNG bulk carrier is equipped with both dual-fuel main and auxiliary machinery. It has a type C LNG tank with a capacity of approximately 400 cubic metres.

According to Deltamarin, the energy-efficient and highly optimised hull form developed by Deltamarin will make the new ships among of the most environmentally friendly ships to sail in pollution-sensitive areas, such as the Baltic.

The Finnish firm states that the ships' emissions will be below all current environmental requirements, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per cargo tonne transported will be reduced by over 50 percent in comparison to the present generation of vessels. The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) value will also satisfy the IMO reference line requirements - even in the Phase 3 due to come into force in 2025, Deltamarin says.

"Together with Deltamarin we shall make shipping more sustainable and environmentally friendly than ever before", remarked Koskinen.

Commenting on the ships' ability to operate in cold conditions, Deltamarin said: "The B.Delta26LNG also exhibits very efficient operation in ice class conditions, far surpassing any other similar ships trading in such conditions. Extensive model tests have been performed for both open water and Ice Class 1A operations, in reputable testing basins such as SSPA in Sweden and Aker Arctic Technology in Finland."

Deltamarin's Sales Director, Konstantinos Fakiolas, commented: "The owner has closely participated in the design process in order to fully tailor-fit the ship to meet its trading requirements for the Baltic area. For example, the optimised cargo handling and cargo hold arrangements have been developed together to ensure as efficient and flexible cargo loading as possible."

The current orderbook for the B.Delta family includes more than 120 ships, mostly of the B.Delta37 and B.Delta43 types.

The B.Delta26LNG has a shallow draft of up to 10 metres, a length overall of 160 metres, a breadth of 26 metres and a maximum capacity of 25,600 deadweight tonnes. The new vessels are to be classified according to new DNV-GL rules.

The total contract value of Deltamarin's latest design project is said to be around EUR 2 million.