EasyMax design endorsed by second contract

The EasyMax multipurpose design combines a load capacity of 14,300 tonnes and underdeck cargo volume of 625,000ft3 with an exceptionally low fuel consumption.

Distinguished by a castle-like forward superstructure and straight stem, and notable for a compact medium-speed propulsion engine of just 2,999kW output, the vessel’s operating flexibility and cargo scope is increased by certification for sailing in ‘open top’ mode. Given the choice of dispensing with the use of hatch covers on the two cargo holds, the ship can accommodate outsized items of freight.

The guiding principles for the joint development by shipowner and shipbuilder of the EasyMax type were ‘easy to build, easy to operate and easy to load’. The design is suited to core areas of Wagenborg fleet involvement, including year-round Baltic navigation, Mediterranean trade, and transatlantic shipments to and from the St Lawrence and Great Lakes.

Egbert Wagenborg ranks as the largest vessel built to date in the north of the Netherlands on the landward side of the dykes. With a length of 149.95m, a beam of 15.9m and draught of 8.6m, the EasyMax is at the size limit for Royal Niestern Sander’s canalside yard at Groningen. The beam is the maximum for access through the sea lock linking the Eemskanaal with Delfzyl’s outer harbour.

Wagenborg attracted the KVNR Maritime Shipping Award from the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners for the ship design in 2018, partly due to its superior fuel efficiency. The low resistance due to the optimised hull shape, both above and below the water, in conjunction with the model and rating of MaK main machinery, results in a fuel consumption of only nine tonnes per day at 11 knots. It has a correspondingly low Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).