Recently the French operator Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (CMN) signed a contract with Hyundai MIPO, South Korea for two new RoCon vessels with an option for a third unit. Knud E. Hansen A/S has worked closely with CMN over the past year to develop the design.
A number of design options were studied taking into due consideration the operational requirements of CMN and physical constraints in the operating areas including size limitations, limited port facilities, etc.
The main deck is loaded via a stern and a quarter ramp. The layout has been optimised to ensure a steady cargo flow to and from all decks even when using the quarter ramp. The layout has also been designed to enable controlled shifting of cargo between the decks at sea.
In addition, the internal ramps to the upper deck have been highly optimised in order to limit an irregular or unusable space. This has been essential in order to achieve the specified cargo uptake within the maximum main dimensions.
A unique feature is the flush, deck hatches on the weather deck which enables loading and unloading of containers directly onto the main deck, independent of the ramps.
Main dimensions of the vessels:
Length overall 160.0 m,
breadth 27.0 m,
max draught 7.2 m.
RoRo capacity: 2800 lanmeters.
Container capacity: 903 TEU.
Service speed: 20 knots.
12 Passengers.
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Source: OMN, October 14, 2011.