Classification society DNV GL has presented Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) with an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate for its SkyBench Concept for mega box ships.
DNV GL's certificate confirms that the concept complies with the DNV GL rules for the classification of ships.
SkyBench
First demonstrated at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg last year, the SkyBench concept is an innovative design to increase the cargo capacity of large container vessels. The bridge and upper three decks of a “twin island” design container would be constructed as a separate sliding block, mounted on rails and able to move over the length of two 40ft container bays.
In combination with a resizing and relocation of fuel tanks and the utilisation of the void spaces beneath the accommodation block in a traditional design, this allows the addition of two extra 20ft container bays. The resulting cargo increase amounts to 270 teu on a 17-row wide 10,000 teu ship, 450 teu on a 23-row wide 19,000 teu ship and 350 teu on a 20-row wide 14,000 teu vessel.
The SkyBench mechanism takes ten minutes to operate, using four electric drive train units to move the block backwards from its normal position. The two 40ft side casings on which the accommodation block rests provide structural strength and hold lifeboats, provision cranes and utility rooms. In an emergency, the sliding block is detachable and is designed to float independently of the vessel.
Possible principle dimensions of a SkyBench container carrier:
- Length over all: approx. 400 m
- Length between perpendiculars: 383.00 m
- Breadth moulded: 58.60 m
- Depth moulded to main deck: 30.50 m
- Draught scantling: 16.00 m
- Container capacity: 19,400 teu
