Fairfield’s dual-fuel LNG tanker Fairchem Pathfinder wraps up first bunkering

Fairchem Pathfinder, one of Fairfield Chemical Carriers’ four 26,000 DWT dual-fuel LNG newbuilds, has completed its inaugural LNG bunkering operation in Singapore.

The tanker received a total of 1,390 cubic meters of LNG from the bunker vessel FuelLNG Bellina via a ship-to-ship transfer.

Fairfield stated: “This achievement marks a significant milestone for Fairfield Chemical Carriers and MOL Chemical Tankers as we advance our commitment to decarbonizing the maritime industry and reducing the harmful effects of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on our atmosphere.”

To note, this 26,222 DWT IMO 2/3 chemical tanker was delivered by Fukuoka Shipbuilding on May 3, 2024.

As already mentioned, the vessel is one of the four dual-fuel LNG-powered stainless steel chemical tankers to join Fairfield’s fleet and is equipped with the same LNG propulsion technology as her sister vessels Fairchem Pioneer and Fairchem Prestige.

Fairfield launched the Fairchem Pioneer back in 2023. At the time, the ClassNK certification society gave it an A rating, evaluating it as “the ship with high decarbonisation, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness.”

As for Fairchem Prestige, this tanker was launched In April 2024, and its expected delivery date is November 2024.

According to Fairfield, the vessels in these series boast an LNG propulsion technology that could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25% compared to traditional marine fuels.

Fairfield Chemical Carriers was recently acquired by MOL Chemical Tankers, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). The acquisition, completed on March 1, 2024, is based on a share transfer agreement signed at the end of September 2023. The company obtained approval from the relevant authorities under competition law. The acquisition price of the shares was about $400 million.