New vessel design reduces consumption
SHIPPING: By changing the design of 2 new Handysize dry cargo vessels, Norden has cuts off 11% of their fuel consumption, and hereby also the CO2 emission. The renewed design is expected to be used on more future Norden newbuildings.
A larger main engine and a larger propeller are the main ingredients in how Norden in cooperation with the Jiangmen Nanyang Shipyard (JNS), Shanghai Bestway Marine Engineering Design and Stone Marine Propulsion has modified a vessel design to achieve a significant reduction in the fuel consumption on 2 of Norden's new Handysize vessels.
"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. At the same time this is yet another step to ensure progress in our work in the climate area". says Senior Vice President Lars Lundegaard, Head of Norden's Technical Department.
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 2 new vessels, which will be delivered at the turn of the year 2011/2012, will also be fitted according to Norden's usual initiatives to achieve the most environmentally friendly design. These initiatives are generally estimated to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emission by approx. 3%. On top of this comes one of Norden's latest initiatives; new antifoulings which will potentially cut off another 2% in fuel consumption and CO2, because they reduce the vessel's propulsion resistance in the water. On the 2 new Handysize vessels, Norden's calculations show that energy economy can be improved by approx. 15.4% in total.
Norden currently investigates how the changed design can be implemented on future newbuildings.
Source: Norden / maritimedanmark.dk
