Greece's Alassia expands orderbook, unveils decarbonisation plan

According to shipbroking sources, the Greece-based owner has placed an order for a high-spec, eco-friendly Handysize bulker at an undisclosed Japanese shipyard, with delivery set for 2027. This latest deal brings Alassia’s newbuilding programme to three vessels, underscoring its continued confidence in Japanese shipyards.

The company is also set to receive a Kamsarmax from Oshima Shipbuilding in 2025, completing a trio of vessels (two Ultramaxes and one Kamsarmax) from the renowned Japanese builder. Additionally, Alassia has partnered with Japanese trading house Itochu Corp for the construction of a 40,000-dwt geared Handysize vessel, slated for delivery in 2026. This vessel will be built at Nakanishi Shipbuilding, a shipyard with a long history and a dockyard in Yangzhou, China.

Currently, Alassia’s fleet consists of 10 bulk carriers, including Panamaxes and Ultramaxes.

Five-step decarbonisation plan

In addition to its fleet expansion, Alassia recently published its latest ESG report, outlining a five-step decarbonisation plan to reduce its environmental impact.

The first step, already underway, involves investing in newbuildings powered by conventional fuels but equipped with advanced energy-efficient technologies. These vessels are expected to achieve 25%-30% greater energy efficiency compared with the existing fleet.

Furthering its decarbonisation efforts, Alassia is retrofitting its existing fleet with energy-saving technologies and devices, including low-friction hull coatings and ducts/fins around the propeller, aimed at reducing fuel consumption.

The company has initiated biofuel trials, starting with its Kamsarmax Marathassa in 2023, as part of its commitment to alternative energy solutions and is focused on enhancing weather routeing and data monitoring systems to improve voyage optimisation in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Additionally, the company is prioritising sustainability-linked financing, having already secured such a facility with a major shipping bank.