According to SEA-LNG, an industry coalition focused on sustainable shipping, LNG-fuelled vessels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 28% on a tank-to-wake basis compared to traditional marine bunker fuels. This innovation is significant as the global shipping sector was responsible for over 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, as reported by the International Energy Agency.
The bauxite was transported aboard the Ubuntu Empathy, an LNG dual-fuelled Capesize vessel operated by Anglo American and chartered by EGA. This vessel is part of Anglo American's fleet of ten LNG dual-fuelled ships designed to lower emissions.
Capesize vessels, among the largest bulk cargo carriers, measure up to 300 meters in length and 50 meters in width, and can transport approximately 180,000 tonnes of bauxite ore. EGA frequently employs these massive vessels to transport bauxite from Guinea to its alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi and to various international customers. Last year alone, EGA exported 14.1 million wet metric tonnes of bauxite.
Bauxite, a key ore for aluminium production, is central to EGA's commitment to sustainability. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, emphasized the importance of sustainable aluminium production and transportation. “Aluminium is crucial for global decarbonisation, and our commitment to reducing emissions spans our entire supply chain, including shipping. By pioneering LNG-fuelled cargoes, we are taking a significant step toward our Net Zero target by 2050 and addressing the rising global demand for low-carbon aluminium.”