Ship designer Conoship International Projects has unveiled a design for an environmentally friendly 3,600-dwt general cargo vessel suited for sea-river operations. Calling it the new standard for low-air draught sea-river coasters, the vessel will feature enlarged propeller and several other feature that cut fuel consumption. 

Furthermore, the vessel is also ready for wind-assisted propulsion and is prepared for two Econowind VentiFoils installation which will not only cut fuel consumption but also CO2 emissions by some 10 percent. The design also takes into account potential retrofits in the future and has met all the requirements of the future fuels such as liquid hydrogen or ammonia.

The vessel will have an overall length of 88 metres and hold capacity of 5,100 cubic metres, with a design draught of 4.3 metres.

Conoship eyeing North Western European shipyards

While developing the design, Conoship has also taken into account the optimised logistics and increased series effects which makes it possible for the vessels to be built at a variety of shipyards in North Western Europe. The first series of 6 of these diesel-electric cargo vessels will be constructed at Fosen Yard Emden, Germany.

“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.

Prior to initiating the project, Conoship conducted an extensive market research, while also looking for clients and sourcing shipyards. Furthermore, CIP actively brokered between finance houses, owner and shipyard.

Commenting on the order, Carsten Stellamanns, managing director of Fosen Yard Emden, said, “The order is intended to become a flagship project and attract other similar projects to the region.”

He added that since 2019 the yards is looking to re-establish shipbuilding in Germany, at least in certain segments with Fosen Yard Emden.

The construction of this first series of 6 cargo vessels is planned for spring 2022, while the entire series is expected to be delivered in 2023.