The Norwegian shipping company Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) has taken delivery of the final bulk carrier in a new series built in China. The “Baltazar” is the first vessel in the fleet to be equipped with modern sails.
The bulker is a so-called “Cabu” vessel (Caustic Soda Bulk Carrier), which is capable of transporting caustic soda as well as solid cargoes. The “Baltazar” is set to carry liquid cargo to Australia in future and be loaded with dry bulk on the return journey. The vessel was built at the Wert New Yangzi shipyard in China. With this latest delivery, Klaveness now owns a total of 19 combination vessels, including eleven Cabu vessels and eight upgraded Cleanbu vessels.
Compared with Klaveness’s first generation of Cabu vessels, the “Baltazar” and its previously delivered sister ships, the “Balder” and “Bastion”, have a significantly lower carbon footprint (35 per cent lower) and around 20 per cent higher operational efficiency.
This higher energy efficiency is attributable to several technologies: the “Baltazar” is fitted with an air-lubrication system, a shaft generator, a fuel-optimised EcoEGR main engine and a Mewis Duct. The vessel is also fitted with two so-called “eSails” from the company Bound4Blue, making it the first vessel in the fleet to utilise wind-assisted propulsion technology. The ‘Baltazar’ is also prepared for future retrofitting to enable the use of alternative fuels.
With this new vessel, Klaveness aims to build on its decades of experience operating combination carriers in Australia. According to KCC, the ability to transport liquid and dry bulk cargo on the same vessel enables highly efficient transport operations with minimal ballast voyages.
“Cabu’s operations have become an integral part of the aluminium value chain and support customers’ supply chains and long-term logistics planning,” Klaveness stated. “With these three new Cabu vessels, KCC is further increasing flexibility and cost-efficiency with regard to its customers’ Scope 3 emissions from sea freight.”
On its maiden voyage, the “Baltazar” will sail from China to Fremantle in Western Australia. The official christening of the new vessel will also take place there on 9 September.
