Limassol, Cyprus. Lemissoler Navigation has named MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria, the first vessels in its four-ship dual-fuel methanol newbuilding programme. The two 65,000-dwt carriers will operate under charter to Cargill.
Naming ceremony and construction
The naming ceremony took place at the end of July.
CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding built the vessels in cooperation with China Shipbuilding Trading Co.
Vessel design
The vessels were developed from Lemissoler’s operational experience and its objective of building efficient and competitive dry bulk carriers that can meet current requirements and evolving maritime energy-transition needs.
Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute incorporated Lemissoler’s operational requirements and owner input into the vessel design and detailed engineering. The American Bureau of Shipping provided classification expertise and technical guidance.
The Lem65ePlus-SDARI design combines dual-fuel methanol capability with hull optimisation, improved propulsion efficiency, energy-saving technologies and environmental systems. ABS granted the design Approval in Principle in 2023.
Fuel flexibility
MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria can operate on conventional marine fuel and methanol, enabling continued operations while supporting the adoption of lower-carbon fuels as supply and infrastructure develop.
Company statement
Lemissoler Navigation chairman and chief executive Philippos Philis described the naming as a significant milestone for the company and those involved in the programme.
He said the project began with an operational objective to develop efficient dry bulk vessels capable of meeting current requirements and supporting the transition towards alternative fuels.
Philis said collaboration between SDARI, ABS, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong, CSTC and the company’s technical and commercial partners enabled the concept to be developed into operating vessels.
