The vessels are designed by Rolls-Royce’s Environmental Ship concept, that won the prestigious Next Generation Ship Award at Nor-Shipping earlier this year, and it is the first contract signed on this concept.
Rolls-Royce has signed a contract to deliver design and equipment for two new cargo vessels for Nor Lines AS, with an option for two more.
“Environmental Ship sets a new standard within the market for merchant vessels by providing significant reduction in emissions and an improved performance in waves. The concept combines the Rolls-Royce gas engines with our integrated rudder and propeller system, proms, and with these elements incorporated in our innovative hull design CO2 emissions can be reduced by more than 40 percent, says Oddbjørn Eliassen”, Rolls-Royce President – Merchant.
Natural gas is the future
“- We have had a fruitful collaboration with Rolls-Royce in the development of these tailor-made vessels, with a focus on energy efficiency and minimal emissions. Nor Lines, the owner and our DSD AS, has a strong belief that natural gas is the fuel of the future, especially within the coastal transport”, says Toralf Ekrheim, Managing Director, Nor Lines AS.
The multi-functional vessels will, among other things, transport fish from northern Norway to Europe, and return with vegetables to Norway. They are equipped with cooling and freezing on the deck, while the main deck is optimized for ro-ro cargo and dry goods. Top Deck is in addition to the large load area, equipped with garage in front to protect the cargo. On this deck there will be containers, trailers and general cargo. Through a side door there is access to all areas.
Environmentally friendly
“- We are pleased that we can realize this concept for the northern European trading activities, and contribute to achieve the political goals of more environmentally friendly transportation at sea and to facilitate the increased proportion of water transport along the Norwegian coast and to and from Norway”, says Ekrheim.
“- This order shows that our customers are willing to change course towards more environmentally friendly ship design and technology, and we are very proud to offer the total package of equipment, design and engineering for Nor Lines. This is an important contract not only for Rolls-Royce, but also across the maritime industry since the environmentally friendly vessel will be a key priority”, says Eliassen.
Nor Lines ships will be equipped with a Bergen B-series gas engine that can handle large and rapid load variations and is suitable for mechanical transmission of power to the propellers. Effective capacity in the gas tank is equivalent to ten-day operation (3500nm) at cruising speed, with three-day reserve as well, which is ideal for a route between Norway and Northern Europe. The ships will also possess Hybrid Shaft Generator (HSG) system that generates electricity for the ship with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
The new “wave piercing” bow shape means that vessels can significantly improve performance at sea and less risk of damage to the hull plate in the bow. In addition, this bow-shaped is easier to build than conventional bow. The wave piercing concept can also be used on a number of other types of vessels, such as: passenger vessels, RoPax and ro-ro ships, chemical and product tankers, LNG / LPG tankers, bulk carriers, LNG bunker vessels and super yachts.
The vessels will be built by Tsuji Heavy Industries in Jiangsu, China, and will be ready for delivery in 2013 and 2014.
Contract for the first two boats have a value of NOK 135 million for Rolls-Royce.
source: maritime&energy.com
