Germanischer Lloyd (GL) presented Carisbrooke Shipping with energy efficiency design index (EEDI) certificates for four low emission dry cargo vessels. Built by Chinese shipyard Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, the four 8500 DWT sister vessels, the Vectis Eagle, Falcon, Harrier and Osprey incorporate a number of innovative features, including the distinctive Groot Cross-Bow.
The four vessels, which have been built to Finnish Swedish Iceclass 1A, have been designed and constructed to optimise energy efficiency in almost every facet of operation. The Groot Cross-Bow has been incorporated to minimise vessel pitching and reduce the load fluctuations on machinery and speed loss in heavy weather – resulting in less wasted energy and fuel consumption. The high bow also cuts down on the amount of water shipped on deck in heavy weather. The extremely large and efficient ducted propeller has been designed to work with the hydro-dynamically optimised hull form to match the performance of similar vessels with significantly reduced power requirements. As a result of this a derated 2400 kW main engine has been fitted which further reduces exhaust emissions & fuel consumption.
Thirty Per Cent Below EEDI Reference Line
"At GL we see the EEDI as a powerful driver of innovation within the maritime industry, both in terms of shipyards and designers focusing more on energy efficiency and taking advantage of new computational tools and ship owners who now have a clear guide to rely on in ordering new ships," said Dr Pierre C. Sames, SVP Research and Rule Development of GL Maritime Services. "Our calculations show that these new vessels are some 30% below the reference EEDI line, which is a reflection of the commitment that Carisbrooke has made to invest in an extremely efficient vessel."
Reducing Environmental Impact
Apart from the focus on propulsive efficiency, the vessels also have equipment and operational features to further reduce their environmental impact. The two 80 t cranes are fully electric and use thirty per cent less power than similar sized electro-hydraulic cranes. All winches on the vessels are also electric – further reducing power consumption and the risks of pollution. The sterntubes are water lubricated and the oils used above decks are fully biodegradable.
EEDI
The EEDI, which will come into force in 2013, seeks to spur design innovation in ship building, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. Certification acts not only as a good signifier of the vessel's efficiency and quality, but can serve a useful benchmarking function for comparing vessels within a fleet.
Image: Carisbrooke Shipping's "Vectis Falcon".
