Royal Bodewes to build three hybrid-powered methanol-ready self-dischargers

Aasen Shipping has ordered three hybrid-powered methanol-ready self-dischargers from Royal Bodewes.

Delivery of the vessels is set for December 2025, April 2026 and September 2026. The order comes after Royal Bodewes built Aasfjell and Aasfoss, which were delivered in 2021 and 2022. The new ships will have a similar design to their predecessors, with some upgrades. They will feature a large battery pack, which will enable peak shaving for the main engine and auxiliary engines. The cargo handling machine will be electric, which will reduce noise and emissions. In ports where shore power is available, these ships can both self-load and self-discharge completely free of emissions. The combination of a modern hull, battery pack and variable-frequency drive reduces emissions and fuel consumption.

The vessels will have a length overall (LOA) of 119,95m, 15,85m beam, 7.50m draft, 9,400 tons of deadweight all told (DWAT), 5,700 gross tonnage (GT) and a 3,000 net tonnage (NT). They will also have a 2250kW Wärtsilä 6L25 main engine. The ships will hold class notation Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol Fueled Ready. They can easily be rebuilt to consume green methanol once it becomes available. As a result, the ships can operate completely emission-free, both in port and at sea. Overall, they are intended to cut emissions, reduce fuel costs and keep carbon costs to a minimum.

Read more of the latest shipyard and shipbuilding updates from the electric and hybrid marine technology, here.