New Line In Loggers From Japan

The High Bulk 40E type embodied by the 183m, geared singledecker draws on key features of the High Bulk 34E generation of 34,000dwt vessels and the more recently introduced 38,000dwt (38E) version, with increased capacity and adoption of a further raft of energy saving measures.

As with its antecedents, the 40E has been conceived in mind of the specific needs of the lumber trade, while the hull envelope has been maximised for the range of bulk commodities such as grain, coal and steel products. Protected by a double-shell configuration, the five holds provide a grain-/bale-equivalent volume of 50,518/49,153m³, respectively, on a par with the 38E design, but at a 2,000t advance in deadweight.

The hatchways are larger than those of earlier handysize bulkers, so as to enhance cargo working, and the incorporation of four, high-stooled deck cranes along the centreline reflects the particular requirements of the log traffic while also rendering self-sufficiency in other spheres of the bulk trades. Collapsible stanchions arranged on the bulwarks give security to deck stows of logs, and the vessel has been built to the high level of structural stability and robustness essential to lumber transportation in the Pacific and South Atlantic.

Centurion Lucilla is powered by a six-cylinder MAN diesel of the S46ME family, rated in this application for an output of 5,680kW at 105rpm, to give a speed of 14 knots. The engine was manufactured by Makita Corporation, a sub-licensee of Mitsui E&S Machinery, and achieves IMO Tier III NOx compliance through selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. Exhaust streams from three diesel generator aggregates are also subject to SCR.

Hydrodynamic improvements achieved through hull form optimisation and a vertical bow, together with the gains in propulsion performance improvements engendered by the proprietary Namura flow control fin, rudder fin, and Namura pre-swirl stator fin, contribute to competitive fuel consumption figures.

Located in northern Japan on the Tsugaru Strait between Hokkaido and Honshu, the Hakodate yard’s orderbook consists mainly of handysize bulkers. Hull blocks are supplied from the nearby facilities of Muroran Manufacturing Co, and the shipbuilder has been owned by Namura since 2007.

The new bulk/lumber carrier has been long-term timechartered by Centurion Bulk of Singapore, and is husbanded from Manila by Kyowa Sansho Philippines Shipmanagement.

MAIN PARTICULARS – Centurion Lucilla