COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers and Guangzhou Salvage have joined forces to establish a formidable fleet of 18 semi-submersible vessels, set to dominate the heavy-lift transport sector. This landmark collaboration, unveiled in the latest “Toepher Multipurpose Shipping Report,” signifies a seismic shift in the maritime industry.
Commercial Management Powerhouse
This monumental venture is set to redefine the maritime landscape. COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers, known for their expertise in ocean-based heavy-lift transport, and Guangzhou Salvage, a key player in the field, are pooling their resources to create this mega-fleet. By the end of 2023, this collaboration will see the birth of 18 semi-submersible vessels, revolutionizing the industry.
Sizing Up the Fleet
The joint venture’s fleet is poised to encompass a wide range of sizes, from vessels with a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 20,000 mt to colossal vessels boasting an impressive 98,000 mt dwt. Among these giants will be two of the largest semi-submersible vessels globally, promising to deliver exceptional capabilities and efficiency.
Changing Tides
This momentous agreement marks the end of an exclusive commercial management deal that had been in effect since 2018. United Heavy Transport (UHT) and Guangzhou Salvage previously held the reins for managing the latter’s semi-submersible fleet. However, the new partnership between COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers and Guangzhou Salvage ushers in a new era of possibilities and prospects.
Green Horizon: Multipurpose Pulp Carrier Green Kemi
Another feather in COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers’ cap is the recent addition of the 68,000-dwt multipurpose pulp carrier, Green Kemi. Delivered on 12 July in Dalian, this vessel is a marvel of modern engineering. With a length of 226.8 meters and built to meet CCS B1 Ice Class and Polar Code Category C standards, the Green Kemi is versatile. It boasts cargo holds of varying sizes, including one that stretches to 36 meters in length. The ship’s second deck enables it to transport not only pulp but also oversized, heavy-duty cargo like wind power equipment and locomotives.
Eco-Friendly Innovation
In alignment with China’s “dual carbon” strategy, the Green Kemi embraces eco-friendliness. It is equipped with a high-pressure SCR system, complying with NOx Tier III emission requirements, and adhering to the CCS green ship standard. Most notably, the vessel has made significant strides in sustainability by adopting methanol fuel-related systems and obtaining the methanol dual fuel AIP certificate, positioning it for a low-carbon fuel transformation.
Expanding Horizons in Southeast Asia
On 17 August 2023, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers took a significant step in expanding its presence by inaugurating an office in Thailand during the Mekong River Region Marketing Conference. This strategic move demonstrates the company’s commitment to further solidifying its position in Southeast Asia, a region of growing importance in the global maritime industry.
Biofuel Pioneers: A Sustainable Voyage
COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers has achieved a milestone in environmental sustainability by successfully completing a trial voyage with a biofuel blend. This pioneering voyage involved a blend comprising 76% very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) or high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and 24% used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME). The trial took place aboard the MV Da Chang, a 9,900-ton-dwt Da Type 3 vessel. Bunkering 500 tons of the B24 biofuel while anchored in Singapore, the vessel consumed the entire supply, marking a significant stride towards sustainable shipping practices.
Spliethoff’s Remarkable Delivery: MV Bloemgracht
Fuzhou Mawei shipyard marked a significant achievement by delivering the MV Bloemgracht to the Spliethoff Group on 11 August 2023. This delivery completed a series of two identical 14,500-ton-dwt DP2 B-type vessels. Noteworthy for their versatility, these offshore supply vessels possess superior DP2 station-keeping ability, making them ideal for transporting large volumes and weights of cargo directly offshore. Equipped with removable automated pipe-handling gantry cranes and two Huisman 500 mt heavy-lift mast cranes, they are well-suited for heavy-lift transportation and offshore installation, redefining efficiency in cargo handling.
Heavy-Lift Carriers Thriving in Bremerhaven
Amidst a surge in demand for transporting “high and heavy” goods, heavy-lift shipping companies are capitalizing on the shortage of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) capacity in car-loading ports. This trend is particularly evident in the port of Bremerhaven, where heavy and oversized cargo is increasingly being transported via MPP heavy-lift vessels. These vessels employ their onboard gear to load cargo through hatches, bypassing traditional ramp-based RoRo operations. The shift in approach is expediting the movement of cargo to destinations in the United States and Australia, according to a report published by Hansa International Maritime Journal.
HMM’s Evolution: Newbuilding Programme
Amidst speculations about its future ownership, HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine) has initiated a significant newbuilding program. HMM has placed orders for four scrubber-fitted 38,000-dwt multipurpose/heavy-lift vessels at China’s CSSC Guangzhou Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding. These vessels are set to redefine cargo capabilities with three cargo holds, hydraulic folding hatch covers, and hoisting hatch covers. Equipped with a crane of 200 tons and two cranes of 400 tons that can be combined for a maximum lifting capacity of 800 tons, these newbuilds are poised to make a substantial impact when they begin deliveries in 2026.
Swire Projects’ Expansion in Asia
Swire Projects, the projects and heavy-lift shipping services division of Swire Shipping, has extended its market coverage in Asia. In South Korea, it has appointed WorldFast, a project cargo forwarding company, as its representative agent. Meanwhile, in Japan, Keystone Logistic Ltd. has been selected as its new representative commercial agent. These strategic partnerships aim to enhance Swire Projects’ presence and services in these key Asian markets.
Norden’s Acquisition of Thorco Projects
Danish tanker and dry cargo shipping company Norden made waves with its acquisition of part of Thorco Projects. Valued at USD 56.8 million and paid on a debt and cash-free basis, this transaction centered on the takeover of customer contracts, relationships, prepaid hires, and assets. Effective since 26 June 2023, this move positions Norden as a significant player in the ever-evolving shipping industry.
Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Hub in Texas
ACME Greentech Ventures Americas Inc., a subsidiary of the ACME Group, is set to establish a pioneering green hydrogen and ammonia facility at the Port of Victoria in Texas. With a potential capacity of 1.2 million metric tons per annum, this facility represents a significant step toward sustainable practices and investments. ACME’s expertise in hydrogen technology aligns seamlessly with the global push for cleaner energy sources.
IMEC: A New Economic Corridor
World leaders have unveiled a landmark initiative, the India–Middle East–Europe economic corridor (IMEC). This corridor aims to stimulate economic development, enhance connectivity via railways and ports, and promote economic integration across continents. Additionally, it will facilitate clean energy exports, technology development, and expand reliable access to electricity and the internet. While not in direct competition with seaborne cargo transportation, IMEC represents a niche response to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
Panama Canal’s Transit Restrictions
The Panama Canal Authority has extended transit restrictions for another 10 months due to unpredictable weather patterns. This means a draft limitation of 44 feet or 13.41 meters will be enforced throughout the remainder of the current year and into 2024. Consequently, the number of vessels permitted to cross the Canal daily will decrease from the average of 36 in normal conditions to 32.
AAL Shipping’s Methanol-Ready Mega-Size Heavy-Lifter
CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard celebrated the keel-laying ceremony for AAL Shipping’s first super-Class dual-fuel-ready heavy-lift MPP vessel, MV AAL Limassol. This vessel, with a capacity of more than 42,000 cubic meters of cargo and innovative features like dual fuel capability, is poised to set new standards in the heavy-lift shipping industry. MV AAL Limassol’s launch in 2024 marks the beginning of an era of sustainable and efficient cargo transport.
CMA CGM’s Strategic Move: Takeover of Bolloré
CMA CGM Group has made a historic move by acquiring 100% of Bolloré Logistics. This significant deal, valued as the largest in CMA CGM’s history, underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its logistics activities. The acquisition represents a strategic milestone, enhancing CMA CGM’s position as a global logistics powerhouse.
Maersk’s Methanol-Powered Pioneer
Maersk made waves with the delivery of the world’s first methanol-powered containership, MV Laura Maersk. Powered by green methanol produced from biomethane, this vessel sets new standards in sustainability. Its maiden voyage between Northern Europe and the Bay of Bothnia promises to be a transformative moment in the maritime industry’s quest for cleaner energy sources.
Renewable Methanol: A Greener Choice
Compared to conventional fuels, renewable methanol delivers substantial environmental benefits, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95% and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%. Additionally, it eliminates sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions, positioning it as a key player in the transition to cleaner maritime operations.
The maritime industry is witnessing a wave of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. These developments, highlighted in the latest “Toepher Multipurpose Shipping Report,” underscore the sector’s commitment to a greener, more efficient future.
Source: Toupher Transport’s Multipurpose Shipping Report #29