Gas-powered bulk carrier, HL Eco, berthed at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) at the beginning of March. HL Eco launched in December 2020 with its maiden voyage from Korea to Australia and loaded with coal at DBCT from 3 – 4 March 2021, bound for Korea.
HL Eco ship was built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, a gas-powered ship, reducing the fine particulate dust and other pollutants that standard heavy fuel oil ships use.
This new very large bulk carrier can carry 180 000 t and is 292 m in length. The gas-tanks are built using 9% nickel, ensuring its strength at low temperatures. The tanks can heat to 195°C when the gas is converted to liquid.
DBCT P/L’s Executive Manager Operations, Kelvin Lockyer, was excited to accept the HL Eco for loading at Dalrymple Bay.
“The employees were proud to see the world’s largest LNG-powered carrier visit DBCT.
“Everyone recognised the environmental benefits that this vessel provides which align with our sustainability goals and objectives.”
Hyundai Samho has reported that the gas fuel should produce 30% less greenhouse gasses than an identical ship that is fuelled by oil.
HL Eco and its sister ship, HL Green, are the first of its kind, however, Hyundai Line have placed an order for an additional four bulk carriers.