The Netherlands: ECO 6500 Boosts ‘Green Image’

ForestWaveNavigation of Heerenveen, supported by Cofely Nederland NV, has introduced a new project dedicated to the development of a new generation of vessels with considerable reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.

The ECO 6500, a multipurpose vessel, is in alignment with the latest trends and developments, designed to respond to the opportunities and threats. The main objective of this new development is to minimize fuel consumption thus to decrease the emission of harmful substances.

Compared to the average 6,500 Tdw multipurpose vessels in service, the ECO 6500 consumes 5.5 tons less fuel per day (5.5. vs. 11 tons). The figures are striking since fuel consumption is cut by 50% while exhaust emissions are reduced by a surprisingly 90%. Only 30% of the power is required in comparison with a conventional vessel. The vessel needs a power of 1,100 kW in order to achieve the mandatory 5 knots for ice class 1a.

Tests carried out by the prestigious maritime HSVA laboratory in Hamburg have confirmed the savings in energy consumption and have also demonstrated that the vessel with an installed capacity of 1,499 kW complies with all sailing properties. These properties are significant especially during poor weather conditions, resulting in a smooth voyage for the crew and favorable fuel consumption in combination with little loss of speed.

The new standard vessel features innovations that increase user friendliness on board and the efficiency of the on shore organization to enable optimal remote assistance to the crew members of the vessels. While similar conventional vessels can accommodate 7 to 9 people, the ECO 6500 can have a crew of 4 members.

Suitable for transporting a great diversity of cargo types and measuring less than 100 meters in length, the vessel requires no tugboats in a port, resulting in a notable cost saving.

ForestWaveNavigation has the intention to invest in six ECO 6500 vessels. Initial estimates have shown that an investment of €12 million per vessel will be required thus the total amount to be invested will reach €72 million.

The first of the new ECO 6.500 vessels, the FOREST NAVIGATOR, is due for completion by the end of 2011. The remaining five vessels are expected to follow in 2012.

[mappress]

World Maritime News Staff, January 19, 2012; Image: Forestwave