Conoship Unveils Series of ‘Future-Proof’ General Cargo Ships

Dutch ship designer Conoship International Projects has unveiled its design for a series of six “future-proof” general cargo ships which the company says will set a “new standard” for low-air draught sea-river coasters. An order for the first ship has been placed in Germany.

The fuel-efficient 3,600 dwt ships will feature a diesel-electric propulsion system, with an enlarged propeller in combination with a ConoDuctTail® and optimized hull lines for best-in-class fuel consumption. The design is also ready for wind-assisted propulsion with space for the placement of two Econowind VentiFoils®.

The EEDI of the vessel, as calculated as a diesel-driven vessel, is already below the phase 3 requirements, making the design “highly future-proof,” the company says. From the concept phase, the design was developed with future fuels in mind, allowing for the switch to future fuels such as liquid hydrogen or ammonia.

“We are very proud that this ultra-fuel-efficient cargo vessel is developed according to our philosophy to build in series in the North of Europe”, says Maarten Sickler, Director of Conoship International Projects.

The first vessel in a series of six will be constructed at Fosen Yard Emden in Germany for delivery spring 2022, with all six expected to be delivered during 2023, Conoship said.

“We are delighted with the order,” says Carsten Stellamanns, managing director of Fosen Yard Emden. “The order is intended to become a flagship project and attract other similar projects to the region. Since 2019 we want to re-establish shipbuilding in Germany, at least in certain segments with Fosen Yard Emden GmbH, as a member of the Fosen Group. The yard in Emden is located on an area with over 550.000 m2 and has a long tradition of building various types of vessels. Its 100 employees enable it to build high quality at competitive prices.”

Main particulars of the vessel:

• Length overall: 88.00 m
• Breadth moulded: 13.20 m
• Draught design: 4.30 m
• Draught maximum: 5.00 m
• Deadweight @ T = 3,640 t
• Hold volume: 180,105 cu.ft
• Service Speed: 10.00 kn