The China Navigation Company (CNCo) has recently launched the first of a new series of eight S Class vessels at Zhejiang Ouhua Shipyard in China. The first of these 31,000 dwt modern, multi-purpose and highly fuel efficient, S- Class vessels, MV Shansi, is due to enter into service at the end of March 2013.
Reinforcing CNCo’s commitment to providing sustainable shipping solutions, the innovative S Class ships will provide Swire Shipping’s valued customers with additional capacity, heavy lift capabilities (up to 120tons) and increased cargo flexibility. The vessels have been specially designed to offer ground-breaking fuel efficiency, high speed cargo handling capability and the versatility to carry a wide range of cargo types including steel and forest products, heavylift plant machinery and equipment and project parcels as well as agricultural commodities and minor bulk parcels.
The new vessels offer a range of high-specification, technological features including:
• Low friction anti-fouling paint, optimized hull lines with highly efficient propeller and Mewis Duct, and many other features designed to reduce power consumption at sea and in port
• Variable speed controlled pumps and a Vessel Performance System for dynamic control of the vessel speed and fuel consumption
• Wartsila RT Flex electronically controlled Tier-II main engine optimized for the lowest fuel consumption at fully loaded design speed of 15.5kts
• Fuel and lube oil tanks will be protected by a double skin
• Ballast water treatment system, 3 stage 5ppm oily water separator, advanced incinerator and garbage compactor
• Four MacGregor electric deck cranes, 60t swl, capable of combined lifts up to 120 tons
• Full multipurpose capability in holds 3 and 4 with split folding tweendecks and hatch covers with strengthened tank-tops for steel coils and heavy break-bulk cargo and grab use. Holds 1,2 and 5 are cellular with cell-guide s toppers offering full container use and the possibility to carry break-bulk cargo below the containers
• Hatchcovers are fitted with recessed container fit tings allowing a fully flat surface for optimum carriage of containers, project cargo or break-bulk cargo
• Capacity for 147 reefer containers on deck
• Holds are all fitted with forced draft ventilation
MV Shansi is scheduled for delivery in late March 2013 and will undergo extensive testing and sea trials in the interim. The second sister vessel, MV Shantung, was launched on 25th January and the remaining S Class vessels will be launched at monthly intervals with the eighth and final vessel, MV Szechuen, scheduled for delivery in October 2013.
[mappress] Press Release, March 8, 2013