New design bulker completes sea trials

According to Sinopacific, on trials the ship performed beyond expectations and fully met the specification. The Crown 63 is a Supramax-sized development of the Crown 58 58,000dwt bulker design, managing to add 9% deadweight while reducing fuel consumption by 13%.

For the shipowner, Jean Labescat, technology general manager of the French bulk shipping specialist Setaf-Saget, said he was satisfied with the outcome of the sea trial. “DY4001 features outstanding performance and its design gives consideration to the owner’s operating benefits.” he said. “Crown 63 is with special advantage in the bulk carrier sector and we are looking forward to the next delivery.”

DY4001 was scheduled for delivery from Sinopacific’s Dayang yard at the end of February, followed shortly by the first of several sister vessels. Dayang says that 22 ships to this design are planned for delivery in 2012.

According to Sinopacific, the Crown 63 has optimised body lines with an improved design of bulbous bow, propeller and rudder bulb, all of which contribute to higher propulsion efficiency. The design was verified by tank testing at HSVA in Hamburg.

A Doosan-MAN B&W electronic-injection two-stroke main engine, to IMO Tier II specification, is fitted, prepared for running on all grades of fuel oil, including ultra low sulphur distillates. Space is reserved and pipework prepared for fitting a ballast water treatment system.

The ship is classed by Bureau Veritas, and the lead ship of the class has been awarded BV’s first EEDI (energy efficiency design index) certificate in Asia, as well as a BV Green Passport certificate.