At a traditional maritime naming ceremony, held on 26 August 2012 at Sungdong Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering shipyard in Korea, AEGEAN BULK Co INC.,took delivery of the 81,404 dwt Kamsarmax vessel “Anna Maria” which the following day sailed for her maiden voyage to New Orleans with the Greek flag waving at her stern.

The addition of this vessel will bring the AEGEAN BULK Co INC., fleet size to 15 with an average age of 4 years. “Anna Maria” was named and sponsored by Mrs. Y. S. Han, who is the wife of Mr. D. Y. Han, ex-Vice President of Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Recognising the ever increasing demand for more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vessels, AEGEAN BULK Co INC., has taken delivery of the second “eco-friendly” Kamsarmax bulk carrier.

“ANNA MARIA”, as her sister vessel “INNOVATION”, which was delivered by same shipyard on 18 June 2012, are the first Kamsarmax vessels build by Sungdong with the installation of an electronic engine. The specific electronically controlled engine is the first of this type produced by MAN worldwide.

AEGEAN BULK Co INC., has made a significant investment in these new “eco-friendly” vessels to maximize fuel efficiency and to minimise harmful emissions. Innovations include electronically controlled engine, de-rating of the main engine power for low load optimisation as well as various machinery optimisations. The application of energy saving devices will substantially reduce the amount of fuel used.

In addition, the vessel has obtained by American Bureau of Shipping the “Environmental Protection – ENVIRO” notation and a Green Passport certificate.

Following the certification of AEGEAN BULK Co INC., to ISO 50001:2011 “Energy Management” standards last month, upon delivery of the vessel, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) issued to “Anna Maria” a statement of Conformity of Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) related to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

Speaking at the naming ceremony, AEGEAN BULK’s CEO, Dimitrios Mattheou said: “Our partnership with Sungdong coupled with an investment in industry-leading technology and innovation has resulted in a new generation of vessels that deliver significant environmental benefits and fuel savings. This is good for the environment, good for our customers and good for our business.”