Green Dolphin carrier design makes debut

Market receptivity to the efficient design has been such that over 100 firm orders and options have been placed to date, with the entire programme assigned to Chinese yards.

True Love is the first of two sisters contracted at Chengxi Shipyard, for lease by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) group to freight contractor Aquavita International, which has offices in Greece, Monaco, the Ukraine and China.

Developed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI), and with early technical input from DNV GL and Wartsila, the Green Dolphin handysize type has been conceived as a fuel-efficient, cargo volume-optimised ’maid-of-all-work’ prepared for future regulatory compliance. Four 30t deck cranes confer self-sufficiency in handling the gamut of bulk cargoes.

While essentially a ‘standard’ product, intended for serial production, the design can be tailored to suit individual operating needs. This propensity for customisation is expressed in True Love, which is an ICE-IC ice-class version. Unlike the preponderance of GD38 bulkers on order, she has not been specified with aft-end energy saving appendages. The main engine is a Wartsila 5RT-flex50D, also nominated so far for 31 of the other firmly-contracted vessels, although 50 have been booked with MAN main machinery.

The Motorship has been advised that the Green Dolphin 38 has attracted orders for 84 vessels, plus 19 options, entailing construction at 13 Chinese shipyards. DNV GL is responsible for classing 32 of the ships definitely booked, with Lloyd’s Register accounting for 33.

Among guests at the naming ceremony were: Zhou Mingchun, chief accountant & member of CSSC party leadership; Yang Li, president of CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Co; Evgeniy Lavrenko, CEO of Aquavita international; Lv Zhiyong, vice-president of SDARI; Wang Yongliang, chairman and secretary to party committee; Lu Ziyou, president, Chengxi Shipyard; and Zhou Jianxiang, vice-president of Chengxi Shipyard.

• A description of the first ship and design project is planned for Motorship’s July/August edition.