Two more innovative ship concepts were presented at Nor-Shipping by Norwegian classification society DNV. The »ECO-Ship 2020« is[ds_preview] a design for an open hatch bulk carrier (OHBC) while »Ecore« is a very large ore carrier (VLOC) concept. Both were developed to enhance efficiency and thus help owners and operators improve commercial performance. In 2010, DNV had already presented concepts for a crude oil tanker and a container ship, »Triality» and »Quantum«.
The »ECO-Ship« is developed jointly with Oshima Shipbuilding. The LNG-fuelled OHBC concept features a number of innovative solutions, including a wide twin skeg hull, Oshima’s Seaworthy bow, air lubrication system, lean-burn four stroke medium speed gas engines and a flexible propulsion and power generation system with shaft generator/motor (PTO/PTI). A waste-heat recovery system that can feed electric power into the PTI to be used as a supplement to ship propulsion power is included as well. The »ECO-Ship« is outfitted with four large capacity electric jib cranes and hatch covers made of a composite material that weighs about 50% less than traditional steel covers. A significant part of the reduction is due to the highly efficient propulsion system running on LNG.
»Ecore« is a joint project of DNV, FKAB, TGE Marine, Cargotec and MAN Diesel & Turbo. Powered by two-stroke dual fuel ME-GI engines, this VLOC concept features a more ballast friendly hull shape, a large centre cargo hold layout and introduces a highly efficient self-loading system. It enables the shore-based loader to operate at a single point along the vessel, which is safer and reduces the time spent in port. The concept is built on real data and designed for an iron ore trade between China and Australia.
