Canadian dry bulk carrier operator CSL has entered into a long-term partnership with Australian cement manufacturer Adbri (formerly Adelaide Brighton Cement) to build and operate a “battery-capable” self-unloading vessel. Construction will commence in 2024, and delivery is expected in early 2026.

The 11,000 DWT ship was designed to support the company’s limestone operations in South Australia. It will replace Adbri’s Accolade II and will carry up to 3 million tons of limestone annually, a 35% increase over current capacity.

Approximately 50% of the vessel’s energy requirements will be provided by a combination of shore power and battery energy storage, and the company plans to install sufficient batteries in the future to allow 100% electric operations.

“The vessel will initially run on a hybrid diesel and battery system, replacing 25% of diesel with electric power and lowering Scope 1 emissions by 40% compared to Accolade II,” explained CSL President and CEO Louis Martel. “By 2031, we aim to run the ship entirely on electric power, further reducing Scope 1 emissions to less than 10%.”

Source: CSL