Conoship to Design Spliethoff’s New Multipurpose Ships

The Netherlands-based maritime engineering company Conoship International recently signed a contract with China’s Mawei Shipyard for the design of Spliethoff’s two multipurpose DP2 B-type vessels.

Specifically, Conoship has been commissioned to deliver the ships’ complete class approval package — basic design/structure and systems.

The B-type ships will be classed by Lloyd’s Register, have ice class 1A and comply with the Polar code.

Ordered earlier this year, the two ships are to be delivered in October 2021 and February 2022.

Amsterdam-based shipping company Spliethoff Group recently ordered nine new ships from Chinese shipyards. Conoship has been selected to deliver the design for each of these vessels.

In addition to the four lift-on/lift-off (LoLo) vessels and three RoLo — a combination of RoRo and LoLo transportation concepts — units, the latest order comprises two new B-types.

The ships will be equipped with a 5300-kW diesel engine, four 2000-kW auxiliary engines, a scrubber and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to comply with the requirements of IMO Tier III.

This ship type combines the intake of a multi-purpose vessel with a DP2, the station-keeping ability of up to Bft 6, making it ideal for supplying large volumes and heavy cargo directly offshore, Conoship explained.

To obtain the fast, safe and efficient loading and discharge of pipes, both on and offshore, the vessel has a removable, automated, pipe-handling gantry crane installed.

The B-Type is also equipped with two 500 mt heavy lift mast cranes, making it suitable for both heavy lift transportation and offshore installation. With a deadweight of 12,500 mt, an open-top notation, more than 2,875 m2 of cargo deck space, two tween deck levels and 5,700 m2 of total deck space, the intake of the B-type is significantly higher than existing offshore supply vessels, the company added.