First of four eco-design Suezmax tankers joins AET fleet

This is the first of a batch of four sister ships, and the first Suezmax tanker to be owned by AET. The other three vessels are scheduled for delivery later in 2012. Recognising the increasing demand for more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vessels, AET specified an ‘eco-design’ for the four newbuildings. In order to maximise fuel efficiency and to minimise emissions, the vessel design features hull form optimisation for low resistance, and de-rating of the main engine power for low load optimisation. Other energy-saving devices applied to the ships include saver fins, a star propeller and a rudder bulb, all of which will combine to provide an expected substantial reduction in the amount of fuel used.

The Suezmax specification allows for unlimited length, because the canal has no locks. Normal maximum beam is 50m for deeper-draught ships, though wider-beam ships drawing 12m can transit the canal. The other main limiting factor is the Suez Canal Bridge, limiting air draught to 68m. The canal is currently dredged to a depth of 20m. These dimensions mean that maximum capacity of Suezmax tankers is around 160,000dwt, with the AET eco-design ships coming close to this figure at 157,000dwt.

The first-of-class was named Eagle San Antonio at a ceremony held during handover, where CEO of AET, Hor Weng Yew, said: “Our partnership with Samsung coupled with an investment in industry-leading technology and innovation has resulted in a new generation of vessels that deliver significant environmental benefits and fuel savings. This is good for the environment, good for our customers and good for our business. Our customers demand that we offer a flexible service for the transportation of their cargoes. Moving into the Suezmax sector allows us to deliver a more rounded and complete solution to the world’s oil companies.”

The new Suezmax tankers represent a significant step in AET’s continuing move to rejuvenate and re-shape its tanker fleet. AET’s fleet renewal programme insists that all new vessels joining the fleet will be significantly more fuel-efficient than those they replace. Eagle San Antonio has obtained Lloyd’s Register’s ‘Environmental Protection’ notation and a letter of compliance for a Green Passport. The energy efficiency design index (EEDI) attained has been verified by Lloyd’s Register as exceeding IMO minimum requirements. As a result, the vessel has qualified for the ‘Green Ship Programme’ under Maritime Singapore’s green initiative.

The 275m long Eagle San Antonio is powered by a Doosan-MAN B&W 6S70MC-C8 main engine, rated for 16,400kW at 82.8rpm. with normal cruising rating 14,760kW at 79.9rpm, 90% MCR. Fuel oil consumption is 60t/day, giving the ship an operational range of 18,500 naut miles. The ship operates with a normal crew complement of 32 persons, plus six Suez crew.

Other machinery includes an STX-MAN B&W auxiliary engine package, Aalborg boilers, Alfa Laval purifier, Flutek-Kawasaki steering gear, air conditioning equipment from Hi-Air Korea, and RWO bilge water separator. The optimised high-efficiency propeller came from Mecklenburger Metallguss.

Samsung supplied the ship performance monitoring system and the automation package. Bridge and navigation equipment is from Samsung and JRC. Samsung also provided the main switchboard, emergency switchboard and group starters. Jotun paint was used throughout.

In addition to the four new Suezmax ships, other recent innovations by AET include the introduction of two newbuild DP shuttle tankers, two newly converted specialist marine capture vessels, a fleet of the first purpose built lightering support vessels and four newbuild VLCCs which will replace older tonnage in 2013.

Principal particulars

Length oa 275m

Beam 49m

Main engine MAN B&W 6S70MC-C8

MCR 16,400kW @ 82.8rpm

Class Lloyd’s Register of Shipping

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