Oshima delivers next-gen wood chip carrier

The Vanguardia will be operated by MOL under long-term contract to Daio Paper Corporation. Constructed at Oshima’s Saikai (Nagasaki) yard, the 4.3 million ft3-capacity vessel is expected to be assigned to the transportation of imported woodchips to Daio Paper’s main coastal production facility, the Mishima paper mill in Ehime prefecture.

The vessel has similar main dimensions to Oshima’s wood carrier series design, with an overall length of almost 210 metres, and a beam of 37 metres.

In common with Oshima’s other series designs, the newbuilding meets Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 criteria, using hull form optimisation and energy saving devices, such as Propeller Boss Cap Fins, Advanced Flipper Fins and Seaworthy Bow. The latter is a low-resistance hull form that offers improved performance in poor weather conditions. The vessel also includes the ACE automated route control solution.

The vessel features a conventional, oil-fuelled main engine, and an exhaust gas cleaning system.