NEW CAPACITY FOR THE GREENLAND RUN

Tukuma Arctica is significantly larger than any of the existing fleet controlled by Greenland-based RAL, and is the first in a series of three ordered from Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard. The Icelandic company Eimskip, with whom RAL is to implement a joint sailing schedule and vessel sharing agreement, is set to commission the second and third newbuilds, Bruarfoss and Dettifoss.

The new generation of gearless boxships is central to the collaboration, ensuring a weekly connection to Greenland offering increased carrying capability and broader world market access to the route.

The 1A ice-class design is Polar Code-compliant and engineered to meet IMO Tier III emission requirements, and has been developed by the Finnish and Chinese offices of consultancy Deltamarin. Besides an exacting environmental standard, key performance indicators included the capability for a wide mix of container sizes and types, homogeneous load capacity, optimal manoeuvrability, and seakeeping qualities in the harsh northern latitudes. Lashing bridges afford extra security to deck-stowed boxes and also facilitate cargo handling.

The MAN seven-cylinder G60ME main engine incorporates exhaust gas recovery (EGR) bypass technology to achieve Tier III NOx emission criteria, while the same regulation is met by the four auxiliaries through the adoption of selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Moreover, a scrubber system has been installed to treat the exhaust streams from main and auxiliary engines, ensuring SOx emission control to the strictest levels.

Although possessed of a more potent nominal rating, the 600mm-bore, two-stroke propulsion engine has been specified at a maximum continuous output of 17,000kW on 97rpm, and normal continuous rating of 13,400kW at 89rpm including power take-off (PTO).

The four gensets are driven by HiMSEN L21/31 engines running at a maximum 900rpm, with three of the units being nine-cylinder diesels of 1,980kW and one being a six-cylinder model yielding 1,320kW. Each delivers electrical energy at 450V 60Hz. Two Brunvoll tunnel thrusters are fitted aft, and one forward.

Tukuma Arctica ran sea trials off the southern China coast during December, and is expected to arrive in Denmark in March, and complete her first commercial voyage to Greenland with scheduled arrival at Nuuk on April 17.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS – Tukuma Arctica