Dutch Yard Books Hybrid Self-Dischargers

The newbuilds will be similar in design to the 9,200dwt sisters Aasfjell and Aasfoss delivered by the Dutch yard in 2021/2022, while incorporating various upgrades and provision for future use of methanol fuel. Deliveries are scheduled to commence at the end of 2025.

Each of the new ships will be fitted with a travelling deck gantry-mounted excavator, a trademark feature of the Aasen fleet, ensuring self-reliance in both loading and unloading and conferring a broader trading scope.

A high-capacity battery pack will enable peak-shaving for both main and auxiliary machinery, including load-levelling in difficult sea conditions, and will supply the electric-drive excavator, curbing both atmospheric and noise emissions in port over the cargo handling cycle. Each of the 9,400dwt, 120m short-sea bulkers will also have an interface for connecting with the landside electrical grid when alongside.

The combination of an optimal hull form, battery installation, and variable-frequency drives will reduce fuel consumption and emissions to a much lower level than many comparably-sized vessels in the European market.

The specified main engine is a six-cylinder model of Wartsila’s new small-bore, medium-speed L25 engine, producing 2,250kW at 1,000rpm, and driving a controllable pitch propeller through a reduction gearbox. By comparison, the Aasfjell and Aasfoss were each installed with an eight cylinder diesel of the L26 type, giving a maximum output of 2,600kW.

The engine choice for the newbuilds is salient to the fact that the ships will hold a class notation signifying preparedness for use of methyl/ethyl acohol fuel. Future adaptation to ‘green’ methanol would enable emission-free operation.

Following the approach adopted in the development of the Wartsila 31 platform, the design of the 25-series is based on modular principles and suitability to a wide range of existing and future fuels. The upgradeable modular structure provides for transition to greener fuels through the replacement of a minimal number of engine parts.

Stipulated completion dates for the three ships are December 2025, April 2026, and September 2026.

Located at Mosterhamn, on the coastal island of Bomlo between Bergen and Stavanger, family-owned Aasen Shipping deploys some 10 self-dischargers in the 6,000-9,500dwt range. The vessels are primarily engaged in contracts with industrial customers, transporting stone, salt, cement, grain scrap, round timber and other commodities, and are also suited to breakbulk and project shipments.

The latest deal reinforces Royal Bodewes’ prominent standing not only in short-sea dry cargo ship construction, but also in the niche sector of tonnage carrying its own craneage.

Preceding the trio of Aasen newbuilds, to be named Aasvaer, Aasland and Aasvard, the programme at the Hoogezand yard near Groningen this year has included a three-ship series of 4,900dwt excavator-fitted dry cargo vessels for another Norwegian owner, Hagland Shipping. Each also features a hybrid power arrangement, and delivery of the final unit, Hagland Premier, is imminent.