Conoship International has expanded the CIP-Series with a 40-MWh full-electric configuration for its CIP3800 general cargo vessel platform. Purpose-engineered for dedicated short-sea routes, green shipping corridors, and emission-restricted coastal zones, the design delivers zero direct emissions while retaining the core operational parameters of the platform.
As the short-sea shipping sector faces accelerating pressure to decarbonise, battery-electric propulsion offers an immediate, commercially viable pathway for fixed coastal loops and regional trading corridors where shore power infrastructure aligns.
Also read: Conoship adds container feeder to short-sea portfolio
Proven Conoship hull geometry
Rather than introducing an experimental hull form, Conoship builds the CIP3800 Fully Electric on its proven 3800 TDW coaster platform. By utilising a hull form validated across extensive model tests, sea trials, and active commercial operations, the design minimises hydrodynamic resistance, directly reducing energy demand per nautical mile.
‘Shipowners looking to transition to zero-emission operations do not need to take unnecessary risks on unproven hull designs,’ says Maarten Sickler, Sales Director at Conoship International.
Also read: Wilson orders eight Conoship-designed CIP6300 short sea vessels
Key engineering particulars
- Optimised cargo capacity: Retains a single, box-shaped hold with a capacity of 4737 m3 (167,300 ft3), suitable for general cargo, bulk commodities, and project cargo.
- 3200 t cargo intake.
- 40-MWh modular energy storage: Configured for an operational range of 350 nautical miles at 10 knots or up to 640 nautical miles at 8 knots (factoring in sea margin and hotel load allowances).
- Intelligent weight distribution: The 40-MWh energy storage system is split between dedicated forward and aft battery compartments, preserving sea-keeping trim and eliminating the need for extra water ballast.
- Balanced net payload: The addition of battery weight is largely offset by the complete removal of heavy fuel oil, marine gas oil, lubricating oils, and sludge tanks, preserving competitive cargo intake.
- Hybrid & range extender capabilities: For routes with developing shore infrastructure, the platform can optionally incorporate a compact, downsized generator set running on fuels (such as HVO or biodiesel) to serve as a range extender or backup system.
The vessel specifications are:
- Length overall: 89.43 m
- Breadth moulded: 13.20 m
- Draught: 5.20 m
- Cargo intake: 3200 t @ 5.20 m draught
- Cargo hold: 4737 m³ / 167,300 ft³
- Battery capacity: 40.0 MWh
- Operational range: up to 650 NM (@ 8 kts) / 350 NM (@ 10 kts)
- Direct emissions: 0% CO₂, NOx, SOx, PM
Platform modularity
The addition of the full-electric option underscores Conoship’s dedication to modular ship design. The CIP3800 platform allows shipowners to select the power profile that fits their immediate operational profile, such as diesel-electric, methanol-ready, wind-assisted, or pure battery-electric, while preserving building flexibility at the shipyard of their choice worldwide.
Picture: The CIP3800 Fully Electric’s energy storage system is split between dedicated forward and aft battery compartments (image by Conoship).
Also read: How Conoship designs ships that are ready for future fuels
