Klaveness Combination Carriers Welcomes MV Baltazar Equipped with eSails

Klaveness Combination Carriers has taken delivery of the MV Baltazar from China’s New Yangzi Shipyard, successfully completing its third-generation CABU III newbuilding program. The milestone vessel brings KCC’s operational fleet to 19 combination carriers and introduces the company’s first wind-assisted propulsion system via dual bound4blue eSAIL® suction sails. Designed for caustic soda and dry bulk trades to Australia, the eco-efficient ship delivers a 35% lower carbon footprint while supporting long-term sustainable logistics in the aluminum supply chain.

Oslo, Norway | August 6, 2026 – Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (KCC) has taken formal delivery of the MV Baltazar from China’s New Yangzi Shipyard. The milestone delivery marks the completion of KCC’s third-generation CABU newbuilding program, bringing the company’s operating fleet to a total of 19 specialized combination carriers, comprising 11 CABU and 8 CLEANBU vessels.

The MV Baltazar stands out as a technological milestone for the Norwegian owner, serving as the first ship in the KCC fleet to integrate wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Pioneering Green Technology and High Efficiency

Engineered specifically for complex trade routes carrying caustic soda solution to Australia and returning northward with dry bulk commodities, the third-generation CABU vessels represent a massive generational leap in environmental performance. According to KCC metrics, the new design delivers approximately 35% lower carbon emissions and roughly 20% higher earnings capacity compared to the company’s first-generation vessels.

The MV Baltazar, following sister ships MV Balder and MV Bastion, is fitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced energy-saving devices:

• Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Equipped with two bound4blue eSAIL® suction sails, harnessing wind energy to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
• Air Lubrication System: Reduces frictional resistance along the hull.
• Shaft Generator: Enhances electrical generation efficiency while underway.
• EcoEGR Main Engine: A fuel-optimized setup designed to minimize particulate matter and greenhouse gas outputs.
• Mewis Duct: Improves propulsive efficiency by straightening the wake flow into the propeller.
• Future-Proofing: Built with structural and engineering readiness for future retrofits utilizing zero- or near-zero-emission marine fuels.

Strengthening Decades of Australian Trade

The delivery reinforces KCC’s long-standing footprint in the Australian industrial sector. By seamlessly shifting between wet and dry bulk cargoes, KCC eliminates extensive ballasting voyages, driving unmatched efficiency across the aluminum supply chain.

Company executives emphasize that the new generation of ships directly addresses the growing demand from charterers to optimize and reduce Scope 3 emissions within ocean freight logistics.

To honor the vessel’s entry into service and celebrate decades of continuous operations in the region, KCC will host a formal naming ceremony for the MV Baltazar on 9 September 2026 in Fremantle, Western Australia, welcoming key customers, shipping partners, and maritime industry stakeholders.

Fleet Overview at a Glance

About Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (KCC)

Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) is the world leader in combination carriers, owning and operating 11 CABU and eight CLEANBU vessels. KCC’s combination carriers are built for the transportation of both wet and dry bulk cargoes, operating in trades where the vessels efficiently combine dry and wet cargoes with minimum ballast. Through their high utilization and trading efficiency, the vessels emit up to 35% less CO2 per transported ton compared to standard tanker and dry bulk vessels in current and targeted combination trading patterns.

Source: Klaveness Combination Carriers