---

Ecoships, the Istanbul-based technical shipmanagement arm of UK firm Newport Shipping Group, has introduced what it describes as "a next-generation bulk carrier design, developed to set the standard in ecologically compatible marine transportation".

Inspired by the low friction to water flow and self-cleaning properties of the lotus flower – a symbol of purity and beauty in Buddhist and Hindu philosophy – Ecoships' Greenlotus 32 [pictured] is a 32,500-deadwight-tonnage (dwt) geared, wide-hatched, handysize bulker, designed to meet existing and future carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions regulations.

Captain Aykut Yilmaz, Newport Shipping's General Manager, said: "The Greenlotus 32 is a proven eco-friendly bulk carrier that builds on the success of two earlier designs delivered in 2011. From cost and energy efficiency perspectives, it makes a lot of sense for shipowners to reconsider their ageing 'handies' in favour of the Greenlotus 32. The return on investment is very attractive due to its extremely low fuel consumption and it meets the most stringent emissions reduction requirements."

The 170.90-metre-long, 27-metre-wide hull form, optimized for energy efficient operation using computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis, has a propulsion arrangement based around a de-rated, Tier III compliant MAN B&W SG50ME-B9 two-stroke main engine driving a large diameter, fixed pitch propeller.

"This configuration provides a heavy fuel oil consumption of just 15.6 tonnes per day at a service speed of 14 knots and 7.6 tonnes per day at 11 knots. Compared to the daily fuel oil consumption of comparable handysize designs, the Greenlotus 32 can generate daily fuel savings of more than US$6500 on a bunker price of $650 per tonne, operating at 14 knots," commented Yilmaz.

The Greenlotus 32 is also equipped with built-in technology for voyage and weather routing, trim optimisation and a system to provide real-time analysis of ship data, including bunker quality and emissions.

Additional emissions abatement can be achieved through the optional installation of an exhaust gas scrubbing system and/or a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) unit.

Exhaust gas recirculation and waste heat recovery systems, available with the standard Greenlotus 32 design, add to the vessel’s arsenal of ecologically friendly measures.

"It really does minimize the environmental impact of bulk shipping," said Yilmaz.

Suitable for the carriage of a variety of cargoes, including coal, grain, ore, direct reduced iron, cement, bauxite and steel coil, across five double skin cargo holds, the 'Eco-Smart' design features wide, steel-covered hatches in conjunction with the absence of hoppers and lower bulkhead stools to facilitate optimal loading and discharging operations.

Fuel tanks, coffered against cargo hold 5 to reduce the risk of pollution and to protect heat sensitive cargoes, have been prepared for low sulphur fuel operation.

Fulfilling International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements for permanent means of access for close up survey work and ease of maintenance, service piping and electrical cables run along two side pipe tunnels within the double hull. The arrangement serves as a safe conduit between the superstructure and foredeck during inclement weather.

Ballast and bilge piping has been similarly arranged in a pipe duct running through the double bottom of the vessel.

The tank top has been strengthened to 20 tonnes per square metre (t/m2) on top of all cargo holds. The vessel is equipped with four sets of deck cranes each with a 30-tonne safe working load and 36-metre outreach. Each crane is supplied with a frequency converter system to ensure optimum energy efficiency.

Harald Lone, CEO, Newport Shipping, said: "Vessels built to this new design will feature advanced energy-efficient technologies making them very cost effective to operate. We have already partnered with shipyards in China, Korea and Turkey to offer competitive pricing structures."

"The Greenlotus 32 is a real game changer," added Lone.

Greenlotus 32 - Specifications:
(m= metre; m3=cubic metre)

LOA: 170.90m
LBP: 163.70m
Breadth: 27.00m
Service speed: 14 knots
Draught: 10.50m
Cargo Capacities (Grain/Bale): 44,000m3 / 36,500m3
Ballast: 8920m3
Classifcation: ClassNK

Image: An artist's impression of Ecoships' Eco-Smart Greenlotus 32