China’s Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, together with China Shipbuilding Trading, has signed a contract with South Korean owner Polaris Shipping for four 210,000 dwt tri-fuel ore carriers.

The agreement marks the first cooperation between Polaris Shipping and Beihai Shipbuilding, and represents another major milestone for the Chinese yard in the development of next-generation green bulk carriers.

The vessels will be based on Beihai Shipbuilding’s new-generation “Tianlang” (Sirius) flagship design. Featuring Newcastlemax dimensions, the ships will adopt an ethanol/methanol/fuel oil tri-fuel propulsion system, while retaining the possibility of future conversion to ammonia or LNG propulsion.

By using ethanol as the primary fuel, the vessels are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 90% compared with conventional heavy fuel oil operation.

The design integrates multiple energy-saving technologies, including rotor sails, variable-frequency systems, high-voltage shore power and shaft generators, aiming to further improve operational efficiency and reduce lifecycle carbon emissions.

The vessels will also feature specially designed cargo holds capable of carrying Group A cargoes under the IMSBC Code, including cargoes with potential liquefaction risks. A comprehensive structural monitoring system will be installed to enhance safety during operation.

The latest contract follows Beihai Shipbuilding’s previous agreement with Brazilian mining giant Vale for 325,000 dwt ethanol/methanol tri-fuel ore carriers, further strengthening the yard’s role in Vale’s green shipping transition.

Beihai Shipbuilding said it has now achieved coverage across multiple green-fuel platforms, including ethanol/methanol tri-fuel, LNG dual-fuel, methanol dual-fuel and ammonia dual-fuel solutions. The yard currently ranks among the world’s leading builders of large bulk carriers, with some production slots extending to 2031.

The Polaris Shipping order highlights growing international interest in low-carbon bulk carrier designs as major commodity players and shipowners accelerate fleet renewal strategies.

With its expanding portfolio of alternative-fuel vessels, Beihai Shipbuilding is strengthening its position in the global large bulk carrier market and supporting the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon operations.