With 10% lesser fuel consumption shall help in reducing emissions further

Padmesh Prabhune

DNV, a leading classification society and recognized advisor for the maritime industry, has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to an eco-friendly, innovative ECOaster vessel design ready for using methanol as fuel. The creative ECOaster idea was created in Germany’s Oldenburg with Fehn Ship Management, HB Hunte Engineering, Reederei Rörd Braren, and Claus Rodenberg Waldkontor.

With a length of 115 meters and a design suitable for Ice Class 1B, ECOaster can reach a top speed of twelve knots and carry cargo of 6,000 tons. The ship’s large open deck, with the bridge in the front, makes it possible to transport long goods without restriction. The ECOaster’s continuous cargo deck, divided by portable bulkheads, increases its range of uses.

The eco-friendly ship is intended to be a general cargo adaptable ship that can carry project, general, and bulk cargo. According to Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt the design helps by consuming 10% lesser fuel compared to conventional vessels of similar size, thus reducing emissions further.

The improved hull design and high-performance propulsion system, which can operate on methanol as a substitute fuel source, are the sources of the efficiency gains. To further improve its environmental credentials, the ECOaster plans to incorporate a Flettner rotor that uses wind power to increase propulsion and reduce fuel consumption.

ECOaster adheres to rules set forth by the International Maritime Organization. During the stringent approval procedure, DNV examined not only the general arrangement plan and hazardous gas area plan, which provide basic information about the vessel but also the detailed diagrams of the ventilation and Low-Flashpoint Liquid (LFL) fuel systems, which follow the safety concepts approved by the engine supplier.

Marex Media