MOL Ocean Bulk Pte. Ltd. has signed a 25-year contract with Vale International S.A. to transport iron ore using two next-generation 210,000-metric-ton ore carriers.
Scheduled for delivery in 2030, the vessels will be equipped with the world’s first tri-fuel propulsion system capable of operating on ethanol, methanol and conventional heavy fuel oil. The ships will primarily support Vale’s transoceanic iron ore transportation as part of its shipping decarbonization strategy.
The vessels will also feature LNG- and ammonia-ready designs, along with advanced energy-saving technologies, providing greater flexibility in adopting lower-emission marine fuels.
According to information provided by Vale, ethanol could potentially reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to approximately 90% compared with heavy fuel oil. MOL said the project will contribute to its decarbonization objectives under BLUE ACTION 2035 Phase 2 while helping reduce Vale’s marine transport-related Scope 3 emissions.
MOL will also work with customers and partners across the fuel supply chain, including fuel procurement, supply and bunkering, to support the wider adoption of low-carbon solutions in maritime transportation.