CLdN Orders Dual-Fuel RoRo Pair for Efficiency Boost | Mariner News
Multimodal logistics provider CLdN has confirmed an order for two 6,700 lane-metre RoRo vessels from South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The newbuilds will be dual-fuel capable, operating on conventional marine fuels and LNG.
Construction is set to commence in early 2028, with deliveries scheduled for mid-2029. This order represents the 15th and 16th vessels CLdN has commissioned from HD Hyundai HI over the past decade, underscoring a consistent shipbuilding partnership.
These new vessels will feature an additional deck and increased cargo space compared to CLdN’s existing 5,000 lane-metre ships. The higher capacity is projected to deliver a substantial 30-40% improvement in fuel efficiency per tonne-kilometre, directly impacting operational costs and enhancing competitive positioning within its routes.
Critically, the design includes reserved space for larger electric shaft generators and batteries, anticipating future technological advancements. This strategic design choice suggests CLdN is positioning its new fleet for a multi-stage decarbonization pathway, extending beyond LNG to embrace potential future electrification and minimize the risk of asset stranding as propulsion technologies evolve. While LNG is a mature and widely available alternative, the reservation for battery space signals a proactive approach to longer-term emissions reduction.
The industry broadly acknowledges LNG’s emissions benefits over conventional fuels, alongside its challenge of methane slip. The flexibility to potentially transition to cleaner bio-LNG, which can be utilized in existing LNG-fuelled ships for higher net GHG savings, provides CLdN with further optionality in its fuel strategy.
