ArcelorMittal Belgium in Ghent received the Oceana Frontier, the world’s first LNG-powered bulk carrier. The vessel delivered iron ore from Canada, marking its first call at both ArcelorMittal Belgium and North Sea Port, the company said in a press release.
The vessel is among five ships in ArcelorMittal’s global raw material fleet capable of using LNG. Compared with conventional marine fuels, LNG can reduce CO2 emissions by around 23 pct, with estimated savings of approximately 500 tons of CO2 per voyage on the roughly 2,700-nautical-mile Canada-Ghent route.
After unloading in Ghent, the vessel will return to Canada to load another iron ore cargo for ArcelorMittal Belgium.
The arrival also provides ArcelorMittal and North Sea Port with experience in handling LNG-powered bulk carriers as the companies explore more energy-efficient shipping options. North Sea Port has conducted safety assessments for LNG and other alternative marine fuels, including hydrogen, methanol and ammonia.
ArcelorMittal Belgium is part of the global ArcelorMittal Group and operates integrated flat steel production facilities in Belgium serving automotive, construction, and industrial markets across Europe.