SEATRADE REINVESTS IN DEDICATED REEFERSHIP CAPACITY

The 6,045gt Orange Spirit provides 312,000ft³ of temperature-controlled carrying capacity and was handed over during December 2018 by Guangxin Shipbuilding & Heavy Industry of Zhongshan. The Chinese contractor completed second-of-class Orange Sea in January. Third and fourth newbuilds Orange Stream and Orange Strait are scheduled to be ready in early March and April, respectively.

The Orange class has been developed for trade in frozen and refrigerated commodities, with the accent on pelagic fish, squid and tuna, citrus fruit and potatoes. The vessels have been conceived with a strong focus in design, outfit and performance on the capability for high-seas transhipment from fishing fleets.

With so much of the traditional and dedicated reefer vessel sector’s market having shifted to the container mode and been penetrated by the major deepsea container liner companies over the past two decades, the Seatrade quartet heralds a new era in the specialised reefer industry and supply chain.

The four cargo holds of the new freezers are of similar size, being each within the 77,300-78,600ft³ range, and fitted throughout with aluminium gratings. By virtue of horizontal subdivision by two fixed tweendecks, the cargo spaces are made up of 12 compartments, providing up to eight temperature zones for settings between -25°C and +5°C. The minimum continuous deck height is 2.4m.

Additional revenue-earning scope and transport flexibility is conferred by deck slots for up to 60FEU(40ft-equivalent) containers, including 52 electrical sockets(plugs) for reefer boxes.

Hatch size is a constant 7.00 x 8.40m on the main deck, and 7.35 x 8.40m on the tweendecks. The main deck hatchways are closed by single-pull covers consisting of three panels each of 2.8m, while four panels are used on the tweendeck openings. In each case, panels can be opened individually so as to minimise cold air loss and warmer air ingress and afford maximum weather protection to stows during cargo working.

The cargo gear consists of an array of booms, nominated through experience of transhipment operations in open-sea conditions. Twin 7t derricks are heeled port and starboard from each side of masts located between Nos 1 and 2 and Nos 3 and 4 holds, respectively, resulting in a configuration of eight derricks. Aligned booms can be used in tandem purchase to handle heavier loads.

Groot Ship Design determined the hull lines and main performance-related features to Seatrade’s criteria and stipulations. The hull form was further optimised and model-tested at MARIN’s research facilities in Wageningen. Deck areas affording the requisite working space, and protection against piracy, were taken into consideration at an early stage in the design process.

Not especially fast in a reefership context, but powered for efficient service over the full spectrum of the engine load range, the 14-knot Orange Spirit is installed with a small-bore two-stroke MAN diesel. The five-cylinder model of the S35ME-B9 type has been specified at the more fuel-conserving L₃ rating to deliver 3,325kW at 127rpm. Manufacture was carried out in China by licensee Yichang Marine Diesel.

The electronically-controlled injection technology employed in the ME series facilities ultra low speed steaming, down to 5% load while undertaking at-sea transhipment. Manoeuvring and close-quarter control is much assisted by a 750kW bow thruster.

Suitability for a safe and efficient high-seas transhipment role permeates the specification, including extra bollards for mooring with fishing vessels, preparation for a sea anchor, accommodation for an extra 10 personnel to carry out stevedoring, a deck rail trolley system to shift cargo alongside the hold access, and additional fresh water and stores capacity for prolonged periods at sea.

The Guangxin yard had a previous assignment from Seatrade in the shape of a vessel purpose-built to carry both frozen and fresh orange juice. The 4,600dwt Juice Express was completed in early 2018 and is sailing between Costa Rica and Tampa, Florida.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS—Orange Spirit