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International classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has issued its first Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) certificate to the ultramax geared bulk carrier JS Amazon, the lead ship in a new generation of ‘CROWN63’ vessels developed by China’s Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group with bulk carrier expert Setaf-Saget.

The 63,300 dwt vessel is designed for the carriage of bulk cargoes, including coal, iron ore, grain and cement, as well as a range of dangerous cargoes. Its GHG (Green House Gas) performance, when measured in accordance with IMO’s Energy Efficiency Design Index, is said to be twenty percent better than the requirement under MARPOL Annex VI and already reaches the Phase II requirement normally set for the years 2020/2024. Its deadweight was achieved as a result of an advanced design fully compliant with the Common Structural Rules. The vessel can carry 5.2 per cent more cargo than other bulk carriers of comparable size.

Speaking in Yangzhou on February 27, 2012, at a press conference organised by Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group, Bernard Anne, Managing Director of BV’s Marine Division, said, “This vessel marks the start of a new series of ships which will be exemplary contributors to a greener and cleaner world, shaping the image of shipping for the future. It also represents a celebration of the achievement of outstanding new design concepts and the re-enforcement of strong and successful, long-established levels of co-operation. Bureau Veritas, Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group and bulk carrier expert Setaf-Saget have been working together for many years in the best kind of partnership – one built on trust and a long-term commitment to shipbuilding quality and innovation. BV has been delighted to work with Greenseas, the in-house design office of the Sinopacific Group, which has a proven ability to deliver high-quality designs for energy-efficient ships.

"EEDI is aimed at producing ships which are ahead of industry standards, with optimised fuel consumption and the highest standards of quality and safety to meet the demanding criteria for bulk carriers engaged in worldwide service today. The ‘CROWN63’ series demonstrates to the world that the shipping and shipbuilding industries can bring to the market an exemplary generation of new ships which are safeguarding the future of our planet."

Working with Sinopacific and a number of different owners, BV has classed 42 vessels of the ‘CROWN58’ series of supramax bulk carriers already delivered or still under construction. It is also responsible for the classification of 32 vessels on order in the ‘CROWN63’ series, and anticipates more to come.

Bernard Anne, who attended the naming ceremony for the JS Amazon in Yangzhou on February 28, concluded, "In a world where safety and environmental responsibility demands are paramount, BV is always keen to work with partners such as Sinopacific on the development of ground-breaking designs and quality newbuildings."