HHI gets DNV GL approval for SkyBench concept

Hyundai Heavy Industries has recently received an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate from classification society DNV GL.

The result of development conducted by HHI and co-work closely together with DNV GL, the certificate confirms that the concept complies with the DNV GL rules for the classification of ships, the classification society said in a statement.

The SkyBench concept is designed to increase the cargo capacity of large container vessels. The bridge and upper three decks of a “twin island” design container would be constructed as a separate sliding block, mounted on rails and able to move over the length of two 40ft container bays.

In combination with a resizing and relocation of fuel tanks and the utilization of the void spaces beneath the accommodation block in a traditional design, this allows the addition of two extra 20ft container bays. The resulting cargo increase amounts to 270 TEU on a 17-row wide 10,000 TEU ship, 450 TEU on a 23-row wide 19,000 TEU ship and 350 TEU on a 20-row wide 14,000 TEU vessel, according to the statement.

“The SkyBench shows how the industry’s increased focus on efficiency and maximizing transport capacity has really sparked innovation in design and operation. Additionally, the potential of this design to offset reduced cargo capacity when choosing LNG as ship fuel means that HHI can offer a design tailored to meet stricter sulphur emission limits in the future,”  Tor E. Svensen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime said.

The SkyBench mechanism takes ten minutes to operate, using four electric drive train units to move the block backwards from its normal position. The two 40ft side casings on which the accommodation block rests provide structural strength and hold lifeboats, provision cranes and utility rooms.

In an emergency, the sliding block is detachable and is designed to float independently of the vessel.

Image: DNV GL