Superflex Mumbai Max Class

A green Heavy Lift Multi Purpose Concept,

Keel laying approaches and is planned for September 2010. After an intensive design phase in close co-operation between Rickmers[ds_preview] holding , their liner company and the designer SDC Ship Design & Consult GmbH. Custom made for the conditions of the heavy lift business, a vessel will take shape which contains innovations but taking into account best available technologies.

The new Superflex Mumbai Max Class (24,000 tdw) considers the demands of Rickmers Reederei GmbH in their traditional trade, as being able to pass the old locks of Mumbai, and is fitted for the new challenges coming from the market for Multi purpose vessels, the latest IMO regulations and the ship-owner’s request of a green concept.

Under the supervision of Germanischer Lloyd (GL), Wuhu Xinlian Shipyard in Anhui/China is going to build a series of 4 vessels with highest flexibility in loading patterns. In total 112 tween deck hatch covers can be arranged horizontally in several heights and vertically to separate cargo holds for various cargoes. The tween deck hatch covers are interchangeable with Rickmers’ 30.000tdw Multi Purpose vessels for maximum flexibility within the fleet. The longitudinal bulkhead on CL makes it possible to load several different types of bulk and general cargos even in smaller amounts.

Two 350 t heavy lift and one 120 t crane, all latest Liebherr designs, ensure the required flexibility in cargo handling of project cargoes up to 700 t. Heavy cargo equipment will be stored in sufficient, special arranged spaces and areas.

The four cargo-holds have a capacity of 622 high cube TEU in four tiers, additionally 817 TEU, partially up to 2.6 m wide, can be loaded on Deck. 45’ Container can be loaded both in hold and on deck, 49’ Container on deck. The cargo holds are strengthened for heavy cargo, the tank top is strengthened for steel coils and the use of grabs.

The deckhouse will accommodate 22 crew members and the owner in single cabins. Additional double cabins are dedicated for the six passengers, the pilot and the cargo supervisors.

The green concept has been realized basically by selecting beneficial main dimensions, an optimized hull form developed and tested by the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) and a moderate service speed (17kn@90%MCR, 15% Sea margin) by design. Consequentially the vessel is designed for GL’s class sign ‘environmental passport’ and fitted for upcoming regulations like ballast water treatment and alternative marine power (AMP).

Additional diesel oil capacities and more but smaller HFO tanks, all separated from the shell, ensure segregations of different fuel types and flexibility in bunkering needed due to the upcoming IMO requirements for low Sulphur.

Rickmers Linie, SDC Ship Design & Consult, Germanischer Lloyd and suppliers mainly from Western Europe have designed in close co-operation an exceptional vessel, extremely flexible and prepared for a greener future.