High ice-class Supramax takes to Baltic trade

The 56,372dwt Arkadia is the first 1A ice-strengthened dry cargo carrier in her class, tailor-made for year-round Baltic navigation while competitively suited to trade further afield. An outfit of deck cranes is testament to the specific needs of certain cargo flows, and confers wider operating flexibility.

At a combined value of about €60million, Helsinki-based ESL Shipping awarded the build contract for the two bespoke bulkers to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), which assigned production to its associated joint venture company Hyundai-Vinashin Shipyard (HVS). The tight delivery terms called for completions of both ships in the first half of 2012, such that the second Supramax is now fitting out at HVS’ Ninh Hoa premises.

ESL’s main clients are the steel and energy industries, together accounting for over 90% of annual carryings. The business is predominantly within the Baltic region, and the main cargoes are iron ore, coal and limestone. Arkadia’s introduction has taken fleet strength to 17 vessels, of which 13 are wholly-owned by the company.

The new ships will enable the operator to respond to increasing demand for transportation of raw materials to Baltic markets, and expand and improve service to existing customers while giving the scope to participate in new projects where year-round shipping reliability is crucial.

Model tests for the design were performed at Aker Arctic Technology’s Helsinki ice laboratory and at the Hyundai Maritime Research Institute in Ulsan.

The double-skinned cargo section is subdivided by transverse bulkheads to create five holds, affording a total volume of 70,055m³ and accessed through very wide hatchways served by folding-type hatchcovers. Four high-stooled, MacGregor electro-hydraulic deck cranes are arranged along the centreline, to plumb each cargo space to a maximum lift capacity of 27.5t with hook, or to 25t with grab.

A two-stroke MAN main engine, in the shape of a Hyundai Heavy Industries-produced 7S50MC-C8 model, turning out 11,620kW at 127rpm, drives a Rolls-Royce Kamewa controllable pitch propeller. The gensets are based on home-grown HHI auxiliaries, whereby three HiMSEN 5H21/32 engines running at 900rpm confer generator outputs of 960kW. Handling of such a relatively large commodity carrier within port and fairway confines is much assisted by bow and stern thrusters of 800kW apiece.

Although all operators face increasing challenges with regard to environmental legislation, environmental issues are of especially critical importance to companies working within the Nordic and Baltic regions. Consequently, the raft of measures adopted in ESL’s new bulkers includes the adoption of ballast water treatment systems.

Arkadia — Principal Particulars

Length oa 197.08m
Length bp 189.00m
Breadth 32.26m
Depth 18.50m
Draught, scantling 13.00m
Draught, design 11.10m
Holds 5
Cargo hold capacity 70,055m³
Deadweight 56,372dwt
Gross tonnage 33,958gt
Main engine MAN 7S50MC-C8
Main engine power 11,620kW
Class DNV +1A1, Bulk Carrier, CSR, BC-A(Hold 2 & 4 may be empty), BWM-T, E0, ESP, GRAB[20], COAT-PSPC(B), NAUT-0C, ICE-1A, BIS, TMON