Mining company Anglo American has announced that its newly launched LNG dual-fuelled Capesize+ vessel, the Ubuntu Harmony, has loaded its first cargo of iron ore from its Kumba operations in South Africa.
As previously reported, the 190,000 DWT vessel, the first in a series of four LNG-fuelled bulk carriers that Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. is building for Taiwanese owner U-Ming, was delivered last month.
The Ubuntu Harmony is also the first of 10 LNG dual-fuelled newbuild ships that Anglo American will introduce to its chartered fleet during the course of 2023 and 2024. The company highlighted that the use of LNG as a marine fuel would deliver ‘an estimated 35% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to ships fuelled by conventional marine oil fuel.’
Peter Whitcutt, CEO of Anglo American’s Marketing business, said: ‘We are proud to see the Ubuntu Harmony begin its voyage transporting future-enabling products from our mines to our customers around the world. This milestone cements our vision to be a leader in low carbon shipping, a natural extension of our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across our operations by 2040.’
Nolitha Fakude, Group Director of Anglo American for South Africa, added: ‘The metals and minerals we provide play an important role in helping key industries decarbonise. Transporting them in a sustainable way is a key part of this effort and the introduction of the Ubuntu fleet – named after the Zulu word meaning “humanity to others” – helps us accelerate our transition to sustainable ocean freight.’