A new ‘green’ bulker concept design was unveiled at Posidonia this year, which took place 4–8 June in Athens, Greece.
The design, named the ‘Green Dolphin’ is for a Handysize five- hold bulk carrier. Its dimensions mean that it will be suitable for the majority of ports worldwide able to accommodate Handysize vessels.
The design was created by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) and development partners DNV and Wa¨rtsila¨.
The new vessel design is environmentally friendly, and is flexible, fuel-efficient and low maintenance.
SDARI and DNV worked together on the design of the vessel’s high-performance hull, which is able to operate at a high level in a variety of loading conditions, speeds and sea states. A wake-equalizing duct in front of the large, slow-rotating propeller enables improvements in propulsion efficiency while a rudder transition bulb and rudder fins reduce hub vortex and recover rotational losses.
Engine designer Wa¨rtsila’s two-stroke low-speed RT-flex50 main engine, which is Tier II compliant, has been selected. This can easily be retrofitted to dual-fuel engine in the near future. Multiple fuel tanks allow for strategic purchasing of heavy fuel oil,
low sulphur fuel and distillates. “Design variants are available for fuel switching systems, installation of selective catalytic reduction and exhaust gas scrubbing systems and, in the near future, the use of LNG as fuel” says Giulio Tirelli, business development director ofWa¨rtsila¨ – Ship Power.“The concept design also includes shaft torque and exhaust gas monitoring equipment to maximize the fuel consumption optimization possibilities while constantly monitoring emissions,” he adds.
A heavy ballast condition is achieved without using a cargo hold for ballast water and the cargo holds are equipped with compressed air, power and wash water supply. Wash water holding tanks are also included.
Wide hatch openings and fully electrical deck equipment improve the loading, discharge and cleaning efficiency so port turnaround time can be minimized. A ballast water treatment system is included as well as holding tanks and treatment systems for sewage and bilge water.
“We have achieved a concept design that is not only fuel efficient, safe and robust today, but is also prepared for the future, with the various design alternatives that an owner can select to comply with environmental regulations,” says Michael Aasland, DNV’s business director for bulk carriers.