Posted on Jan 5, 2022 8:29 PM by
Maritime Executive
A design and engineering team based in the Netherlands has presented its new design concept for what it calls a small, future-proof general cargo vessel suitable for riverine and coastal operations. They also said that an initial order has been placed for six of the ships that will enter service this year,
Conoship International Projects has developed a design for a 3,600 dwt general cargo vessel, suitable for sea and river operations. Each vessel is 289 feet long and has a storage capacity of more than 180,000 cubic feet. The first series of six diesel-electric cargo ships will be built at Fosen Yard Emden, Germany.
“We are very proud that the ultra-fuel-efficient cargo ship has been developed according to our chain-build philosophy in Northern Europe,” says Martin Sickler, Director of Conoship International Projects. “This ship can be considered the new standard for low-air sea and river coasts.”
The project was started by Conoship based on extensive market research and work with potential clients and the shipyard that will build the ships. CIP also actively mediates between finance houses, owners and shipyards.
In addition to the efficient diesel-electric propulsion system, the ships are designed with an enlarged propeller with improved hull lines and a unique stern arrangement. Conoship states that the design will produce enhanced fuel efficiency and meet Phase 3 requirements for the EEDI calculation.
To further improve its performance, the design is also ready for wind-assisted thrust. The concept includes two rigid chips that are installed in the forward area of the ship. The chips will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by about 10 percent, depending on the sailing route.
Additional elements of the design address future changes in the shipping business. For example, switching off future fuels such as liquid hydrogen or ammonia is facilitated by design arrangement. Conoship notes that future fuel requirements have been taken into account since the beginning of the conceptual design process.
“We are pleased with the order,” says Carsten Stellamanns, managing director of Fosen Yard Emden. “The order aims to become a pilot project and attract other similar projects to the region.”
Construction of this first series of six cargo ships is scheduled for spring 2022, while delivery of the entire series is expected in 2023.
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