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Helsinki-based ESL Shipping's (ESL) new dual-fuelled bulk carriers will not only be the first large LNG-fuelled bulkers, but the first vessels constructed to the new DNV GL rule set. Due for delivery in early 2018, the two highly efficient 25,600-deadweight-tonne (dwt) vessels are optimized for trading in the Baltic Sea region.

"It is fitting that the first vessels that will be constructed to the most forward looking set of classification rules are themselves at the cutting edge of maritime innovation," said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL - Maritime. "We have created these rules to be ready for the future and we have long pioneered the use of LNG as a ship fuel. To see these two come together in a double first for the industry is a remarkable moment. We look forward to working with ESL, Deltamarin, Sinotrans & CSC Qingshan Shipyard and all the project partners to make this project a success."

"We are proud to be the world's first shipyard applying the new and innovative DNV GL rules for a newbuilding, just two months after DNV GL has launched its new rules in October this year," said Liu Guangyao, Deputy General Manager of Sinotrans & CSC at the Marintec China Trade Fair recently. "We appreciate the support that DNV GL has committed to provide on the project during both the design and construction phase, especially in a project with many advanced extra class notations. We are looking forward to a close cooperation and a successful delivery."

Featuring the Deltamarin B.Delta26LNG design, the two highly efficient ships are to feature dual-fuel main and auxiliary machinery, resulting in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per tonne of cargo transported half that of present vessels. The bulk carriers are to be built to the new DNV GL rules for general dry cargo ships with DNV GL ice class 1A, and have type C LNG tanks with a capacity of approximately 400 cubic metres, enabling bunkering at several terminals within the Baltic region. The B.Delta26LNG has a shallow draft of maximum 10 metres, an overall length of 160 metres, and a breadth of 26 metres.

"We are very excited to have been selected to take part in this ground breaking project," said Morten Løvstad, Business Director Bulk Carriers at DNV GL. "Being asked to work with such an innovative team as the classification partner is a testament to the creativity and hard work that so many colleagues at DNV GL have invested in the new rule set. These vessels will set new standards for efficiency and environmental performance. They are an important step forward in showing how shipping can be a force for sustainability today and in the future."