'K' Line new ro-ro ships to be world's widest at 38 metres abeam
JAPAN's "K" Line and two shipbuilders have agreed to build four car carriers that promise to be the widest ships afloat, as well as boasting of the best in fuel efficiency and flexibility on cargo handling.
Shipbuilders Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co Ltd and Japan Marine United Corporation will each build two vessels, said a "K" Line statement.
"These vessels will be the widest beam ever built, 37-38 metres with 7,500-unit capacity. Length of the vessel is kept at 200 metres, considering ability to call at any port," said "K" Line's car carrier chief Yoshiyuki Aoki.
"The 37-38 metre beam has come as a result of a series of simulation tests, exploring both better stability of the vessel and better fuel efficiency at the same time," said Mr Aoki.
"Thanks to full support from the shipyard, we are confident that we will have success in optimising those two factors. These new vessels will be equipped with 'CAUL' to mitigate wind pressure for optimum fuel consumption," he said.
Another feature is cargo loading equipment inside of the cargo hold and loading ramp is not only suited for cars but other ro-ro cargo as well, said the company statement.
Said Mr Aoki: "The ro-ro market will steadily grow, so we will continue to develop our fleet to deliver an even wider variety of cargo mix," he said.
JAPAN's "K" Line and two shipbuilders have agreed to build four car carriers that promise to be the widest ships afloat, as well as boasting of the best in fuel efficiency and flexibility on cargo handling.
Shipbuilders Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co Ltd and Japan Marine United Corporation will each build two vessels, said a "K" Line statement.
"These vessels will be the widest beam ever built, 37-38 metres with 7,500-unit capacity. Length of the vessel is kept at 200 metres, considering ability to call at any port," said "K" Line's car carrier chief Yoshiyuki Aoki.
"The 37-38 metre beam has come as a result of a series of simulation tests, exploring both better stability of the vessel and better fuel efficiency at the same time," said Mr Aoki.
"Thanks to full support from the shipyard, we are confident that we will have success in optimising those two factors. These new vessels will be equipped with 'CAUL' to mitigate wind pressure for optimum fuel consumption," he said.
Another feature is cargo loading equipment inside of the cargo hold and loading ramp is not only suited for cars but other ro-ro cargo as well, said the company statement.
Said Mr Aoki: "The ro-ro market will steadily grow, so we will continue to develop our fleet to deliver an even wider variety of cargo mix," he said.