Damen Launches New Concept Design for LNG-Fuelled Feeder Box Ship Series

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday September 13, 2016

Damen Shipyards Group (Damen) has launched a new concept design for a feeder container ship, which includes an option to use LNG propulsion, LNG World Shipping reports.

"There is the possibility to build these designs as dual-fuel LNG powered. LNG in the Baltic and North Sea is a very good options for these types of vessels as they are SECA zones," said Richard Nugteren, manager for cargo vessels at Damen, noting that the series design can also be fitted with Damen-designed scrubbers.

"We have looked at low fuel consumption, used CFD testing and improvements in the bow design are possible, and there is an increase in the hull efficiency."

The new series is said to include 1,100 TEU, 1,400 TEU, 1,700 TEU, and 2,500 TEU capacity container vessels, and are the first such designs released by Damen in more than six years.

Nugteren says that the design development was driven by a new demand for feederships, explaining that the current fleet is getting old, and operate using the highest engine power at speeds now less than they were 10 years ago.

"Also, the use of ultra large container ships has meant there is a need for feeder ships in areas such as the Baltic, where the large ships coming to Rotterdam port are not able to go," added Nugteren.

In August, Ship & Bunker reported that Damen had signed an agreement with Netherlands-based AEC Maritime (AEC) to help make its exhaust gas scrubbers available to maritime clients.