Safe Bulkers has taken delivery of Kypros Island, the first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier on the Cyprus register and in its fleet. Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis named the vessel in China.
Built by Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding at its Zhoushan yard, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne Kamsarmax can run on methanol or conventional marine fuel. Hull and aerodynamic improvements aim to increase efficiency, while a stern-mounted methanol tank helps retain cargo capacity.
The vessel follows a two-ship order involving Safe Bulkers and Itochu Corporation, signed in Limassol in October 2023. A sister vessel is expected in January 2027.
Safe Bulkers’ July 24 fleet update listed 46 ships totalling approximately 4.5 million deadweight tonnes, ten newbuildings due through 2029, and environmental upgrades completed on 25 existing vessels.
The delivery supports Cyprus’ efforts to attract modern tonnage. Hadjimanolis said on October 15 that the register had grown 27% since September 2023, reaching a 25-year high.
FuelEU Maritime, applying since January 2025, gradually tightens greenhouse gas intensity limits for ships calling at European ports. However, methanol’s climate benefit depends on production: renewable supplies offer greater emissions advantages than fossil-derived methanol, while cost and availability remain obstacles.