Hyundai Merchant Marine re-bulbs containership bows for slow steaming
KOREA's Hyundai Merchant Marine has converted its 8,600-TEU vessel Hyundai Brave in the first type of conversion for the carrier to reshape bulbous bows to reduce fuel burn for slow steaming.
The conversion, to economise at speeds cut to 18 from 27 knots, was carried out by China's Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding which has already completed conversions on 10 Maersk containerships.
The work involved lowering of the new bow by 1.5 metres, reducing overall girth size to give it a more "dolphin like shape", said the South Korean carrier, reports Oslo-based TradeWinds.
The project, a joint venture between HMM, DNV and Daewoo Ship Engineering Company, will create cost savings of three per cent.
HMM aims to convert a further three vessels in this class to be completed by first half 2013 with more to follow after evaluation.
KOREA's Hyundai Merchant Marine has converted its 8,600-TEU vessel Hyundai Brave in the first type of conversion for the carrier to reshape bulbous bows to reduce fuel burn for slow steaming.
The conversion, to economise at speeds cut to 18 from 27 knots, was carried out by China's Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding which has already completed conversions on 10 Maersk containerships.
The work involved lowering of the new bow by 1.5 metres, reducing overall girth size to give it a more "dolphin like shape", said the South Korean carrier, reports Oslo-based TradeWinds.
The project, a joint venture between HMM, DNV and Daewoo Ship Engineering Company, will create cost savings of three per cent.
HMM aims to convert a further three vessels in this class to be completed by first half 2013 with more to follow after evaluation.