KCC takes delivery of next-generation combination carrier

Klaveness Combination Carriers has taken delivery of the combination carrier Balder, the company’s first third-generation CABU vessel.

KCC said the CABU III design increases carrying capacity, stating that the vessels are optimised for targeted trades to and from Australia, with a carrying capacity approximately 15% larger than the first-generation CABU vessels they will ultimately replace.

It also listed energy-efficiency measures, including an air-lubrication system, a shaft generator, an EcoEGR fuel-optimised main engine, and a Mewis duct.

The company stated the vessels have around 35% lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions per tonne transported compared with CABU I vessels.

CABU III vessels are prepared for future retrofitting to enable the use of zero or near-zero-emissions fuels and are prepared for shore power.

Following delivery, KCC now operates a fleet of 17 combination carriers, and the company noted Balder is ready for its first employment, transporting caustic soda solution to Australia.

The KCC CABU combination carriers serve the aluminium and alumina industries by transporting the caustic soda solution to the world’s largest alumina refineries in Australia, and on return voyages to the Arabian Gulf, the vessels carry alumina to aluminium smelters in Bahrain and the Emirates.