Graig Group Takes Delivery of Graig Cardiff, First of Two Seahorse 35 Class Vessels, China

Cardiff-based Graig Group has taken delivery of the 35,000 dwt handysize bulk carrier Graig Cardiff, the first of two Seahorse 35 class vessels built at Jiangdong Shipyard. The Graig Cardiff has entered into the Lauritzen Bulkers pool.

Her sister vessel, the Graig Rotterdam, is due for delivery later this year. Both vessels have been constructed under the supervision of Graig China Limited and will be managed by Graig’s ship management divisions in Cardiff and Shanghai.

Hugh Williams, CEO, Graig Group, says, “This delivery is a significant step in our phased reinvestment into shipowning. We are confident that the design is economical and practical for charterers, we know it is well built because we supervised it ourselves and we are confident in our Chinese crewing and management operation which are delivering excellent results in service for the Chinese-owned vessels we already manage. We believe this and its sister vessel will deliver value for money in the charter market.”

The Graig Cardiff’s main parameters are economical and efficient operation, environmental friendliness and maintenance, safety, loading flexibility and shallow draft. The cargo capacity is divided into five flush double skinned cargo holds with wide hatches and no hopper tanktops, ensuring easy access and cleaning. The hatches are served by four 30 tonne SWL wire-luffing cargo cranes and remote- controlled grabs.

Short turn-around time is achieved by effective cargo hold cleaning by portable washing machines. Outlets of water and compressed air are arranged in all cargo holds at tanktop-level. A permanent washing water return line is arranged in each cargo hold at tanktop level. Two cargo hold washing water holding tanks arranged for temporary storage enable cargo hold cleaning in sensitive and restricted areas.

The complete double-skin configuration ensures easy access to structural inspection, even when the vessel is loaded.

A slender after body and a high efficient propeller ensures optimal performance with minimum fuel oil consumption. A vertical stem is designed to improve the fuel efficiency in adverse weather conditions. Frequency-controlled SW cooling pumps reduce power consumption by 70 per cent and waste heat recovery on two of the three generators obviates the need to run the boiler when slow steaming.

Vessel Particulars:

Length / 180.0 m

Breadth / 30.0 m

Scantling draft / 10.1 m

DWT at scantling draft / 35,000 tonnes

The vessel is propelled by a MAN B&W 5S50MC-C engine giving a loaded service speed of 14 knots.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, July 24, 2012