Is it time for self-unloaders to re-invent themselves?

Newbuilds have continued to join the global self-unloader fleet, while a merger is creating an even bigger force on the North American Great Lakes

Having recently commissioned many new vessels, self-unloader fleet owners have been ringing the changes during 2019

The Laker fleet continues to grow, but one carrier has hit a snag along the way with its fleet renewal plans.

Claimed to be “the world’s most eco-friendly bulk carriers”, sister ships Viikki and Haaga have been delivered to Aspo Group-owned ESL Shipping from the Jinling shipyard in Nanjing. The 160m, LNG-fuelled vessels of 25,600 dwt emit over 50% less CO2 than the previous generation of vessels.

For decades, Capitol Hill has failed to deliver on promises to recondition the Great Lakes navigation system but the case is gaining ground to provide investment to ensure vital bulk cargoes keep flowing.

Canada’s CSL group and the German Hartmann family (HJH Ship Management GmbH & Co. KG) have established a 50:50 joint venture company to build and operate a 40,000 dwt gravity self-unloading vessel.