New bulk carrier design reduces consumption

The international cooperation includes the Jiangmen Nanyang Ship Engineering, Shanghai Bestway Marine Engineering Design, UK based Stone Marine Propulsion. Speaking of the innovations, which include a larger main engine and propeller, senior vice president Lars Lundegaard, head of Norden’s technical department said: “According to our calculations the investments in redesign will be paid back in 4 years by the savings in fuel consumption. In addition to this, we expect that the design will increase the market value of the vessels. This initiative is a text book example of how environmental and economic concerns walk hand in hand, which is why we have had no doubts whether we should invest in this project or not.”

Senior new building manager Alex Hjortnæs from the newbuilding section in the technical department is the man behind the idea for the modified design. In short, the redesign consists of a larger main engine, which is optimised to a lower rotation speed, and a larger propeller. The design is developed from the principle that a large propeller turning slowly has a higher efficiency compared to a small propeller turning quickly.

The two new ships should be ready for delivery at the turn of the year 2011/2012 and will also include other technical improvements to enhance their performance including new antifouling to reduce friction which overall Norden calculate will improve economy by 15.4% overall.