Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (KCC) has named MV Baltazar in Fremantle, Western Australia, marking the completion of its third-generation CABU combination carrier newbuilding programme.
The 83,300 DWT vessel was delivered recently by New Yangzi Shipyard in China and has entered service following her maiden voyage to Australia. The naming ceremony was attended by customers, business partners, industry stakeholders, government representatives and maritime media.
The Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, served as Lady Sponsor and formally named the vessel during the ceremony.
MV Baltazar designed for Australian trades
MV Baltazar is a CABU combination carrier designed to transport liquid cargoes into Australia and dry bulk commodities on outbound voyages. The vessel will operate primarily on Australian inbound and outbound trades.
Typical inbound cargoes include caustic soda solution and fertilizer products such as urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), while outbound cargoes are expected to include alumina, iron ore, grain, salt and other dry bulk commodities.
With a length overall of 228.4 metres and a beam of 34.8 metres, the vessel has a deadweight capacity of approximately 83,300 tonnes. It is registered under the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS) and classed by DNV.
Wind-assisted propulsion and energy-efficiency systems
MV Baltazar incorporates several technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The vessel is equipped with two 27-metre bound4blue eSAIL® suction sails, making it the first KCC vessel fitted with wind-assisted propulsion.
Other energy-efficiency technologies include an air lubrication system, shaft generator, an EcoEGR fuel-optimised main engine and a Mewis duct. The vessel has also been prepared for a potential future retrofit to zero- or near-zero-emission fuels.
According to KCC, the combination of the vessel’s trading pattern, size and energy-efficiency technologies gives MV Baltazar the lowest carbon footprint among vessels operating in these trades.
Compared with KCC’s oldest CABU vessels, MV Baltazar has up to 15% greater cargo-carrying capacity.
KCC completes third-generation CABU newbuilding programme
MV Baltazar is the third and final vessel in KCC’s third-generation CABU newbuilding series, bringing the company’s current contracted programme to completion.
Commenting on the milestone, Engebret Dahm, CEO of KCC, said: “Today marks an important milestone for the company as we celebrate the naming of MV Baltazar following her maiden voyage into Australia. Australia has been a core pillar of KCC’s combination carrier business for decades, and our third-generation CABUs represent a new era in our service to and from Australia, continuing to support efficient and reliable transportation for Australian customers across some of the country’s most important industrial supply chains.”
The company has operated combination carriers serving Australian trades for several decades. The completion of the latest CABU programme adds the third-generation vessels to this fleet, with MV Baltazar incorporating a larger cargo capacity and additional energy-efficiency technologies.
What is MV Baltazar?
MV Baltazar is an 83,300 DWT CABU combination carrier owned by KCC Shipowning AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA. The vessel is designed to carry liquid cargoes on inbound Australian voyages and dry bulk commodities on outbound voyages.
MV Baltazar key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel type | CABU combination carrier |
| Deadweight | Approximately 83,300 DWT |
| Length overall | 228.4 metres |
| Beam | 34.8 metres |
| Flag | Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS) |
| Classification | DNV |
| Owner | KCC Shipowning AS |
| Primary trades | Australia inbound and outbound |
| Shipyard | New Yangzi Shipyard, China |
| Wind-assisted propulsion | Two 27-metre bound4blue eSAIL® suction sails |
