A New Era in LNG Dual-Fuel Powered Tankers
Today the shipping industry welcomes a new player, the Eagle Vellore, a cutting-edge vessel renowned as the first of a trio of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) powered by liquefied natural gas. This new shipping behemoth takes the stage with a long-term charter contract with Shell Tankers Private Limited under its wings. The Eagle Vellore ferries the flag of Malaysia, presenting a source of national pride and a testament to the country’s progress in sustainable shipping.
A Milestone for AET and Malaysia
Amidst the chants of assembled Malaysian government bigwigs, including the Deputy Minister of Transport, the Eagle Vellore was honored with an illustrious naming ceremony. Elevated in the ship-building precinct of MMHE Pasir Gudang, its christening marks a significant stride for both AET and its parent company MISC’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices. Zahid Osman, the reigning CEO of AET, regards the addition of the LNG dual-fuel powered ship as a cornerstone in their objective of providing energy-laden services while minimizing emissions.
Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Shipping
The Eagle Vellore, designed by Hanwha Ocean in Geoje, South Korea, is an embodiment of meticulous engineering and sustainable innovation. It is lauded for its classification by the prestigious Lloyd’s Register which manifests its adherence to quality and safety benchmarks. With more than half of Shell’s crude tanker fleet set to run on LNG by the end of this year, the company tirelessly explores zero-emissions fuel alternatives. Such endeavors echo their efforts for decarbonizing seaborne trade, said Stacie Pitt, Senior Vice President for Crude Trading at Shell.
Upcoming Sister Vessels and Top-Tier Features
The world can anticipate the arrival of two sister ships, currently under the expert hands of Hanwha Ocean’s workforce. These sister vessels are slated to be placed under long-term contracts with Shell Tankers Private Limited and are eagerly awaited to join their fleet. As players on the same team, AET and Eaglestar are jointly ensuring a seamless and safe execution of the project.
The Relevance of the Eagle Vellore’s Eco-Friendly Design
The Eagle Vellore and its sister ships are not just token contributions to the fleet; they are designed with advanced efficiency-enhancing features. Their optimized hull designs, state-of-the-art propellers, wake improvement ducts, and rudder bulbs drive up the vessels’ energy efficiency. These environmentally conscious carriers conform to the IMO’s 2025 Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase III. Marked by a 99% cut in sulfur oxides output, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxides, and a 95% drop in particulate matter, these are amongst the most ecologically-compatible VLCCs on the seas today.
