Faced with higher operating costs and more stringent requirements for efficiency and environmental performance, the shipping industry is constantly on the lookout for improved designs. The goal is to improve operations while maximizing every usable space for freight.

In the race to improve efficiency, Japanese shipbuilding Tsuneishi has unveiled a new design for its Ultramax bulk carriers which it believes has the greatest capacity for a vessel that also meets Panamax’s breadth. According to the shipbuilder, the new TESS66 Aeroline design also incorporates design improvements for operational efficiency and crew comfort while meeting new environmental requirements.

Stimulated by an increase in cargo volume, ships in the shipping industry are increasing in size in an effort to improve the efficiency of voyage transportation, Tsuneishi explains. Their new bulk carrier design is an evolution of a design first introduced in 1984. To date, they note that they have built over 500 TESS (Tsuneishi Economical Standard Ship) series vessels.

The latest design reaches 66,200 DWT, making it the largest in the Ultramax class of bulk carriers, allowing it to maximize transport efficiency. Designed with the flexibility to transport major categories of bulk including iron ore, grains and coal, the TESS66 has a loading capacity of 81,500 m3.

“We hope this ship model will be a long-time favorite for its loading performance, fuel efficiency, environmental performance and versatility which provide high added value to customers,” commented Kazutaka Seki, head of the planning department. of ships, design division. of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. “We will continue to create world-class products and deliver ships that combine transport efficiency with reduced environmental burden. “

The design concept is for a 36,900 gross ton vessel. It will be 656 feet long with a width of 105 feet to allow it to cross the Panama Canal. The maximum depth will be 63 feet and with an air draft removed, the shipyard says the dimensions will create operational flexibility.

Other elements of the design include a distinctive bow shape that was part of an effort to maximize the efficiency of the hull. Proprietary yard technology has also been used to reduce wind resistance by up to 20 percent. The shape of the accommodation block has been molded to reduce wind resistance. The ship’s hull has also been refined for excellent fuel efficiency in all conditions, from shallow draft to fully loaded draft.

The operational efficiency characteristics also ensure that the vessel meets the Energy Efficiency Design Index presented by the International Maritime Organization to ensure that new vessels are designed and built to comply with reduced CO2 emissions. The vessel is also designed to be fitted with environmental technology to reduce emissions and guard against marine pollution such as oil spills.