Kawasaki introduces Sea-Arrow design on all LPGs

Kawasaki Shipbuilding in Japan has decided to introduce a new bow design known as ‘Sea Arrow’ on all future LPG carrier newbuildings. The new bow form, which was developed in May 2002, reduces wave resistance by up to half that of a conventional bulbous bow and Kawasaki intends to emphasise the benefits of the new bow design as a means of differentiating its LPG carriers from that of other shipbuilders.

To date, Kawasaki has received orders for seven 59,200 m3 and one 80,000 m3 LPG vessels and the shipbuilder aims to make the modified bow design a standard feature on all its LPG vessel newbuilds regardless of size.

The strength of the ?Sea Arrow? design lies is in its ability to improve the propulsion capability of LPG carriers in spite of the restrictions on vessel length. The modified bow, which does away with the bulbous protrusion, extends to the maximum possible length of the main hull superstructure reducing the angle at which the bow penetrates the water. Kawasaki claims the new design allows an extra 0.3 to 0.5 knots speed in comparison to conventional bow design. For the operator this translates into significant fuel savings or shorter voyage times.