INDIAN YARD LANDS HYBRID COASTER SERIES

Key to the energy-efficiency and reduced environmental impact promised by the 5,350dwt, Dutch-developed design is the adoption of a hybrid electric power system.

Six newbuilds, with main dimensions of 90m x 16m, have been ordered by AtoB@C Shipping, the Swedish subsidiary of Finland’s ESL Group, for delivery by the Goa yard from the third quarter of 2023 onwards. As befits the owner’s year-round operating profile, the ships will be strengthened to 1A ice class standard.

The series represents a total investment value of some EUR70 million (US$81m). AtoB@C has options on several further vessels of the type, which would take the production programme through 2024.

An energy storage system and electric drive arrangement will enable the ships to enter and leave port solely on battery power, obviating both pollutant emissions and noise. Moreover, the onboard system will allow electrical power to be drawn from the grid when alongside, dispensing with the need to run a genset, and engendering a zero-carbon solution where the electrical feed has been derived from renewable sources.

AtoB@C contends that overall greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, per cargo unit will decrease by a measure of almost 50% relative to existing ships of similar size.

An all-forward configuration has been adopted, with the bridge and accommodation superstructure at the bow, leaving an obstruction-free weatherdeck. The flush hatch covers will be handled by a travelling gantry, in the Dutch fashion, providing full-width access to a box-shaped underdeck cargo space of 7,650m³ cubic capacity.

Design work and model testing has been conducted with recourse to SMB Naval Architects & Consultants, domiciled in the north-east Netherlands, whose reference list includes many cargo vessel and small containership newbuild and retrofit projects.

Based at Ystad, in southernmost Sweden, AtoB@C runs a fleet of about 35 ice-class, multipurpose vessels in the 3,000-6,000dwt segment, transporting mainly woodpulp, steel products, scrap, sawn timber, bulk and project cargoes. The company was purchased three years ago by Helsinki-headquartered ESL Shipping, a leading player in the Baltic bulk market.

The fleet development is another example of the north European short-sea community’s bid to adapt the sector to the challenges presented not only by new and future legislation, but also by environmentally-prudent freight generators and logistic specialists.

The intended point of construction is testament to the competitiveness of Chowgule in a targeted sector, building on a succession of orders over the years from Dutch, Scandinavian and UK short-sea specialists.