World News
MOL Announces Bunker Saving Hull Design of Newbuild Car Carrier
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) Thursday announced that the hull design of the company's newbuild next-generation "FLEXIE" car carriers will feature a bunker - and associated emissions - saving rounded bow, which will reduce wind resistance.
"The rounded bow shape will minimise wind resistance and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 2 percent compared to today's car carriers," explained MOL.
As Ship & Bunker has previously reported, MOL last year ordered four next generation "FLEXIE" car carriers from Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., all set set to feature an electronically-controlled diesel engine with Low Load Optimisation (LLO) tuning and Exhaust Gas Bypass (EGB) technology, and scheduled for delivery in 2017.
The hull's new shape is said to be the product of a joint research effort by MOL, MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd., and Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc.
Explaining the origins of the hull design, MOL points out that the company has previously developed the Courageous Ace, a wind resistance-reducing car carrier, which featured an energy saving windshield intended for containerships, as well as a prototype sailing rig known as the "Power Assist Sail."
Further, the company says its participation in the "Wind Challenger Project," which promotes research and development wind resistance reductions and methods of harnessing the wind to assist in propulsion, also assisted in the development of the company's newly unveiled bow design.
In February, MOL announced that it will be launching a trial use of big data technology on its vessels, which will support vessel efficiency, safety, and reduce environmental impact, among other benefits.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 510.00 | 2.50 | 611.00 | 4.00 |
| Rotterdam | 477.00 | 1.00 | 618.50 | 4.00 |
| Houston | 469.50 | 0.50 | 610.00 | 2.00 |
| Fujairah | 501.50 | 1.50 | 708.50 | 3.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 532.00 | 2.00 | 711.50 | 0.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 489.50 | 0.50 | 637.00 | 0.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 571.00 | 1.00 | 759.00 | 0.50 |
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