Newport Shipping Group Unveils New Eco-Friendly Bulker

Ecoships, the technical ship management arm of London-based Newport Shipping Group introduced today a next generation handy-size bulk carrier design optimized to provide extremely low fuel consumption while meeting all existing and future emissions regulations.

The Ecoships’ Greenlotus 32 is a 32,500 dwt geared, wide hatched, handy-size bulker with a propulsion plant based around a de-rated, Tier III compliant MAN B&W SG50ME-B9 two-stroke main engine driving a large diameter, fixed pitch propeller. 

Vessel particulars:

• LOA:                                                    170.90m
• LBP:                                                     163.70m
• Breadth:                                               27.00m
• Service speed                                      14 knots
• Draught:                                              10.50m
• Cargo Capacities (Grain/Bale):     44,000m³ / 36,500m³
• Ballast:                                                 8920 m³
• Classification                                      ClassNK
• Emissions abatement                       Exhaust gas scrubbing and/or SCR (optional)
• Cranes                                                  30 ton SWL

Captain Aykut Yilmaz, Newport Shipping’s General Manager, said: “The Greenlotus 32 is a proven eco-friendly bulk carrier that builds on the success of two earlier designs delivered in 2011. From cost and energy efficiency perspectives, it makes a lot of sense for shipowners to reconsider their ageing Handies in favour of the Greenlotus 32. The return on investment is very attractive due to its extremely low fuel consumption and it meets the most stringent emissions reduction requirements.”

“This configuration provides a heavy fuel oil consumption of just 15.6t/day at a service speed of 14 knots and 7.6 t/day at 11 knots. Compared to the daily fuel oil consumption of comparable Handy-size designs, the Greenlotus 32 can generate daily fuel savings of more than US$6500 on a bunker price of $650t, operating at 14 knots,” Yilmaz added.

The Greenlotus 32 is also equipped with built-in technology for voyage and weather routing, trim optimisation and a system to provide real-time analysis of ship data, including bunker quality and emissions. 

Exhaust gas recirculation and waste heat recovery systems, available with the standard Greenlotus 32 design, add to the vessel’s arsenal of ecologically-friendly measures.

Suitable for the carriage of a variety of cargoes, including coal, grain, ore, direct reduced iron, cement, bauxite and steel coil, across five double skin cargo holds, the ‘Eco-Smart’ design features wide, steel-covered hatches in conjunction with the absence of hoppers and lower bulkhead stools to facilitate optimal loading and discharging operations.

Fuel tanks, coffered against cargo Hold 5 to reduce the risk of pollution and to protect heat sensitive cargoes, have been prepared for low sulphur fuel operation.

Fulfilling IMO requirements for permanent means of access for close up survey work and ease of maintenance, service piping and electrical cables run along two side pipe tunnels within the double hull. The arrangement serves as a safe conduit between the superstructure and foredeck during inclement weather.

Ballast and bilge piping has been similarly arranged in a pipe duct running through the double bottom of the vessel. 

The tank top has been strengthened to 20t/m² on top of all cargo holds. The vessel is equipped with four sets of deck cranes each with a 30t safe working load and 36m outreach. Each crane is supplied with a frequency converter system to ensure optimum energy efficiency.

Harald Lone, CEO, Newport Shipping, said: “Vessels built to this new design will feature advanced energy-efficient technologies making them very cost effective to operate. We have already partnered with shipyards in China, Korea and Turkey to offer competitive pricing structures.”