Specialist combination carrier owner takes delivery of third new generation CABU vessel in US$182M newbuilding programme
Norway’s Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) has taken delivery of its first wind-assisted combination carrier from China’s New Yangzi Shipyard, capable of transporting caustic and bulk cargoes.
The Norwegian combination carrier specialist said Baltazar is the third and final contracted third-generation CABU vessel from the Chinese yard, completing its third-generation ship newbuilding programme and increasing its fleet to 19 combination carriers, including 11 CABU vessels and eight CLEANBU combination carriers. Total investment in the three newbuildings was approximately US$182M.
Designed for trades carrying caustic soda solution to Australia and returning with dry bulk commodities, including aluminium. The flexibility to carry both wet and dry cargoes results in highly efficient trading and limited ballasting. Additionally, this new-generation vessel has a 35% lower carbon footprint and approximately 20% higher earnings capacity than KCC’s first-generation CABU vessels.
Like its sister vessels Balder and Bastion, Baltazar is equipped with energy-saving technologies, including an air lubrication system, shaft generator, EcoEGR fuel-optimised main engine, and Mewis duct.
Unlike its sisters, however, the vessel has two bound4blue eSAIL suction sails and is prepared for retrofit to enable the use of zero- or near-zero-emission fuels.
With the delivery of Baltazar, KCC now operates a full fleet of 11 CABU and eight CLEANBU combination carriers.
