First LNG dual-fuel chemical carrier nears completion in Japan

Fukuoka Shipbuilding has built six 19,000-dwt to 25,000-dwt chemical carriers for Fairfield Japan, and is now constructing its first LNG dual-fuel chemical carrier for the operator.

The vessel is part of a project conceived by the Development Bank of Japan Inc (DBJ) and ClassNK under the ‘Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance Program’, which aims to evaluate and finance ships based on their decarbonisation, environmentally friendly performance, and general innovation.

Under the programme, ClassNK has evaluated the LNG dual-fuel chemical tanker Fairchem Pioneer, currently being constructed by Fukuoka Shipbuilding for Fairfield Japan, with financing provided by DBJ.

Fukuoka Shipbuilding has shipbuilding yards in Fukuoka City and Nagasaki City and specialises in building chemical tankers.

Fairfield Japan is a Japanese subsidiary of Fairfield Chemical Carriers, a US operator that focuses on chemical tankers and has been working on decarbonisation initiatives.

The LNG dual-fuel engine of Fairchem Pioneer is expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and the ship is expected to meet the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 requirements.

According to Fukuoka Shipbuilding of Japan, the use of LNG fuel will also reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulphur oxide (SOx), and particulate matter emissions, meeting NOx Tier III and SOx regulations.

The ship’s operator also plans to address environmental soundness during its recycling by developing and maintaining an Inventory of Hazardous Materials required by the Ship Recycling Convention.

The ship was given an A rating by ClassNK, recognising its high level of decarbonisation compared with similar vessels. This rating indicates that adequate environment-related investments have been made.