Battery-powered bulk carrier begins service in SA

Adbri and The CSL Group have announced the commencement of operations of what they say is the world’s first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier, representing a major milestone for Australian manufacturing, maritime innovation and lower-emissions supply chains.

Purpose-built by CSL, the 125-metre MV Yampu will transport limestone from Adbri's Klein Point quarry on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula to the company’s Birkenhead cement manufacturing in Adelaide, helping secure a critical raw material for the supply of locally manufactured cement used across South Australia and Victoria.

The vessel’s batteries are recharged while docked at Adbri’s Birkenhead facility, allowing MV Yampu to operate on battery power around 40% of the time. Compared with the vessel it replaces, MV Yampu is expected to reduce diesel consumption by more than half a million litres a year, representing a significant step forward in maritime decarbonisation.

With a capacity of 11,900 deadweight tonnes, the vessel is expected to transport 2.7 million tonnes of limestone each year. MV Yampu is also designed to support operation on 100% battery power in the future.

“MV Yampu represents a significant step forward in our decarbonisation journey and demonstrates how practical innovation can deliver real environmental benefits while meeting the demands of commercial operations,” said Louis Martel, CSL Group's Chief Executive Officer. “Every improvement in cargo handling, every enhancement to onboard systems, and every operational innovation has been implemented with one goal in mind: helping our crews perform their work safely, efficiently and sustainably.

“Ultimately, this vessel showcases how smart design can improve performance.”

“For the teams at Klein Point and Birkenhead, this is much more than a new vessel entering service. It’s an investment in their future and the future of manufacturing in South Australia,” said Paul Headd, Chief Executive Officer at Adbri. “The Yampu strengthens our supply chain, supports local jobs and demonstrates that reducing emissions and maintaining a strong Australian manufacturing sector can go hand in hand.”

Image credit: The CSL Group