A new container ship model is being launched that I believe will set a new standard for the energy efficiency performance of box ships.
Dubai-based Zaitoun Green Shipping has spearheaded a consortium for key industry players – announced at Hamburg’s SMM maritime exhibition – that will develop and build a container ship with the highest levels of energy efficiency.
I think this has the power to create a totally new ship concept that will be widely used because, for one of the first times, suppliers have come together to build the ship creating a holistic view of the ship, rather than separate suppliers just concentrating on their areas. A holistic view of how all the technical areas work together will boost efficiency.
The consortium consists of experts taking care of every technical area: MacGregor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment, Wärtsilä, Winterthur Gas & Diesel, Gaztransport & Technigaz, WinGD, CargoTech and Carinafour.
Each member has an important part to play in developing the ship, which I think will be attractive to ship operators as it lowers the investment risk.
I think it is important that it is not just the propulsion being focused on but the internal cargo handling systems, which can increase earning potential by maximising cargo handling capacity.
Indeed, at the press conference at SMM, it was emphasised that the new business model/ship, as well as being eco-friendly, must be profitable. This will attract container ship operators at a time when the container ship industry has been struggling with economic and profitability challenges.
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