A coaster developed in Oldenburg, which is not only “methanol ready” but also equipped with a Flettner rotor, has now received basic approval from DNV.
The companies behind the so-called ECOaster project are Claus Rodenberg Waldkontor (Kastorf), Fehn Ship Management (Leer), Reederei Rörd Braren (Kollmar) and HB Hunte Engineering (Oldenburg). The approval in principle (AIP) that has now been granted was preceded by an intensive approval process and a comprehensive risk analysis (HAZID) by the classification society DNV.
The ECOaster is a highly innovative and flexible multipurpose freighter that can transport bulk and general cargo as well as project cargo. Among other things, the ship is characterized by very low fuel consumption and low pollutant emissions, according to those involved in the project. According to forecasts by the Hamburg Shipbuilding Research Institute (HSVA), the ECOaster’s fuel consumption is around ten percent lower than that of conventional freighters of a comparable size.
Wind propulsion also reduces emissions
The savings are achieved, among other things, by an optimized hull design and a highly efficient propulsion system that can be operated with the alternative fuel methanol (“methanol ready”). The ECOaster will also be equipped with a Flettner rotor, which uses the power of the wind to support the propulsion system and thus reduce fuel consumption even further.
The ECOaster is 115 m long and designed for ice class 1B. It reaches a maximum speed of twelve knots and can carry up to 6,000 tons of cargo. The bridge is located at the front, while the free deck area behind it extends over the entire length and full width. This design also makes it possible to transport very long pieces of cargo, such as wind turbine blades, with unrestricted visibility. The ECOaster also has a continuous cargo hold that can be subdivided by movable bulkheads.
DNV also approves fuel supply system
The classification society DNV has confirmed with the Approval in Principle that the design for the ECOaster meets the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These include the “Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships using Methyl/Ethyl as Fuel” and the “International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels”.
During the approval process, not only the basic ship concept was reviewed in accordance with the general plan and the hazard zone plan, explains the engineering firm HB Hunte Engineering. The classification society also approved the detailed LFL fuel system diagrams including layout plans as well as the ventilation diagrams, which in turn all correspond to the approved safety concept of the engine supplier.
