Ship Photo of the Day: China Navigation's MV Wuchang

China Navigation Company (CNCo) took delivery of the handysize bulk carrier MV Wuchang last month, the first in a series of sixteen new B.Delta37 designed, Lloyd’s Register-classed ships from Chengxi Shipyard and to be followed by an additional four at Ouhua Shipyard

In an emailed note, Lloyd’s Register comments that fifty-three of these B.Delta37 designs have been ordered from Chinese shipyards. This interest, they note, is due to best-in-class performance gains seen through hull optimization and detailed structural finite element analysis which has reduced the vessel’s overall lightship weight while still meeting all fatigue and structural integrity requirements in accordance with IACS’ Common Structural Rules.

Lloyd’s Register adds that the Wuchang’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) has been confirmed to be over 20% below the applicable baseline for bulk carriers.

The EEDI, as noted by the IMO, requires a minimum energy efficiency level per ton mile for different ship type and size segments, and is aimed at “promoting the use of more energy efficient (less polluting) equipment and engines.”

“The CO2 reduction level (grams of CO2 per tonne mile) for the first phase is set to 10% and will be tightened every five years to keep pace with technological developments of new efficiency and reduction measures. Reduction rates have been established until the period 2025 to 2030 when a 30% reduction is mandated for applicable ship types calculated from a reference line representing the average efficiency for ships built between 2000 and 2010.”