TSUNEISHI AUGMENTS PROVEN BULKER RANGE

The 99,990dwt AGTR Ambition, launched in November from Tsuneishi’s Zhoushan yard in Zhejiang province, denotes the extension of the TESS (Tsuneishi economical standard ship) portfolio. Designated as the TESS999, it combines increased deadweight with an advance in operational efficiency relative to the preceding TESS98 bulker class, hitherto the largest model in the series.

Continual product refinement in the most populous categories of deepsea mercantile vessels is one of the enduring strengths of Japanese shipbuilding groups, providing design added value for owners and charterers at competitive newbuild cost. Tsuneishi’s Chinese production facilities, which complement its yards in Japan and the Philippines, give added edge to price competitiveness in the bulker category.

With main dimensions of 240m length, 39m breadth and 20.05m depth, the TESS999 retains the length and air draught of the TESS98 so as to confer the same degree of trading versatility through port accessibility, while being one metre beamier so as to ensure that draught is not penalised by the increased load capacity. Although the increase in absolute deadweight from the TESS98 is about 2,000t, Tsuneishi states that the capacity gain is some 4,000t at equivalent draughts.

The TESS98 was developed in 2008 as a post-Panamax bulker, whose width was nearly 7m greater than the maximum for transit through the Panama Canal prior to the expansion of the waterway with new, larger locks. At the time, the post-Panamax bulkers were generally around 90,000dwt and 230-235m in length. The TESS98 offered the market new possibilities and versatility at 98,000dwt, on a length of 240m.

In developing the succeeding TESS999, Tsuneishi’s design team analysed route and ship operating data for TESS98 bulkers, so as to further refine the concept, marrying this with a combination of energy-saving technologies and ensuring compliance with the latest environmental edicts.

It has kept faith with MAN two-stroke, low-speed propulsion technology, whereby the main engine specified for AGTR Ambition is a model from the electronically-controlled G-series. Furthermore, Tsuneishi has incorporated proven and proprietary hydrodynamically-efficient elements, in the shape of the MT-FAST aft hull appendage and TOP-GR propeller. The cumulative effect of the engineering and design measures addressing energy savings is claimed to be in the order of 6% relative to the earlier TESS post-Panamax type.

The MT-FAST device consists of multiple fins attached to the hull immediately forward of the propeller. Developed by Tsuneishi in partnership with the Monohakobi Technology Institute, the arrangement adjusts the water flow to the propeller, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost in the rotational flow generated by the propeller. TOP-GR is also the outcome of an in-house initiative, resulting in a low-vibration, energy saving propeller with optimised blade number, diameter, aerofoil shape and blade geometric distribution.

According to shipbroking and research group Clarksons, Tsuneishi accounts for the greatest share of 65,000-99,999dwt bulkers constructed worldwide from 2008 onwards. While the shipbuilder maintains a diversified output, including Kamsarmax bulkers and other types of tonnage, the TESS series is Tsuneishi’s most popular product line.

Since the introduction of the 40,000dwt TESS40 design in 1984, the programme has been continually expanded, and includes TESS35, 38, 45, 52, 58 and 64 sizes as well as the 98 and new 999 offerings. AGTR Ambition is registered under Panamanian flag to the account of Agritrans Shipping Company.