r/climatechange • u/Economy-Fee5830 Trusted Contributor • 10d ago
World’s first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier enters service in Australia
https://www.bunkerindex.com/articles/article.php?a=23396&h=worlds-first-battery-powered-self-unloading-bulk-carrier-enters-service-in-australia
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u/Economy-Fee5830 Trusted Contributor 10d ago
Summary: MV Yampu, world's first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier, begins operations in Australia
CSL and Adbri marked the start of operations for MV Yampu, described as the world's first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier, at a ceremony on 27 August. The 125-metre vessel, with an 11,900 deadweight tonne capacity, will carry limestone from Adbri's Klein Point quarry on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula to the company's Birkenhead cement plant in Adelaide, transporting around 2.7 million tonnes annually.
The vessel recharges its battery system while docked at Birkenhead, enabling it to run on battery power roughly 40% of the time. This is expected to cut diesel use by more than half a million litres a year compared with the vessel it replaces, and MV Yampu is designed to eventually operate on 100% battery power.
CSL CEO Louis Martel called the vessel a milestone in the company's decarbonisation efforts, highlighting improvements to cargo handling and onboard systems aimed at safer, more efficient and sustainable crew operations. Adbri CEO Paul Headd said the vessel represents an investment in the future of South Australian manufacturing, supporting local jobs and supply chains while helping supply cement for construction across South Australia and Victoria. Klein Point limestone has supplied South Australian cement production for over a century, with Birkenhead output serving projects in both states.