Conoship’s next-generation diesel-electric cargo vessel in production

The construction of the next-generation diesel-electric propulsed cargo vessel, developed by Maritime engineering company Conoship International Projects, has kicked off in Turkey.

The ceremonial start of the 3600 tdw vessel’s first construction took place on 24 November at the Gelibolu Shipyard in Turkey, and the vessel is expected to be delivered in 2023.

The general cargo vessel, suited for sea-river operations, has a diesel-electric propulsion system, an enlarged propeller in combination with a ConoDuctTail®, and optimised hull lines.

According to Conoship, the design is ready for wind-assisted propulsion, as it is prepared for the placement of Econowind VentiFoils®, which is estimated to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by about 10% annually, depending on the sailing route.

Conoship said that the design is highly future-proof as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) of the vessel as calculated as a diesel-driven vessel is already below the phase 3 requirements, and additional elements of the design arrangement facilitate a switch to future fuels.

Jan Jaap Nieuwenhuis, Managing Director at Conoship, explained: “For example, take off the generators and replace them with a methanol power generator set, and then put in methanol tanks as well, or take them off completely, and put on liquid hydrogen tanks and fuel cells. All these redesign possibilities were taken into account from the beginning of the conceptual design process.”

Conoship is currently working on a number of variants of the ship, including a 3,800 tdw and 5,800 tdw version.

The company said that a 5800 tdw new design concept is in development and will be brought to market soon.

“We are very proud to contribute with these ultra-fuel-efficient cargo vessels to the zero-emissions target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for 2050,” said Maart Sickler, Director of Conoship.

Two more of these 3600 tdw diesel-electric propulsed cargo vessels will be constructed by the Dutch-based company Holland Shipyards Group, with plans to construct five more cargo vessels in the Netherlands in 2024.

According to Conoship, an enlarged version, tween deck fitted, 3800 tdw vessel will be built for another undisclosed owner.

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