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C-Job Naval Architects to design 8,000 dwt rotor sail vessel

Written by Nick Blenkey
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C-Job FF8000

AUGUST 29, 2016 — Hoofddorp, Netherlands, headquartered C-Job Naval Architects reports that the Switijnk family, whose operations include Ameland Shipping B.V., has contracted it to develop a rotor sail equipped vessel design to meet its specific loading and sailing profile.

The contract follows the substantial attention gained by a 4,500 dwt rotorship design, the Flettner Freighter FF4500, developed by C-Job Naval Architects developed as an EU project.

The new design, the FF8000, will be for an 8.000 dwt dry cargo ship and, while based on the FF4500 design, will include a number of modifications.

Finnish rotor sail specialist Norsepower is also involved in the new C-Job project and has performed estimates of the FF8000’s sailing profile based on positive test results from Bore’s M/S Estraden, a 9,700 dwt RO/RO carrier that has been retrofitted with two Norsepower rotor sails.

The Norsepower rotor sail solution, which can be installed on new vessels or retrofitted on existing ships without off-hire costs, is a modernized version of the Flettner rotor; a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to generate forward thrust.

“Sustainable development is part of our future-proof philosophy as a family business,” says shipowner Stefan Switijnk, who values the importance of thinking ahead and being innovative despite the present low price of oil. The company also wants to leave the world in a decent state for the next generation. Unlike the FF4500, alternative fuel options are being examined for the FF8000.

“Although still fossil-based, LNG could be a link in the current energy transition to more sustainable energy sources.” says Mr. Switijnk. “We are also considering other alternatives such as biofuels.”

The Flettner Freighter 8000 is a 131 m long vessel design for an 8,000 DWT dry cargo ship.

It is the first time in which the combination of modern Rotor Sails, a C-Job optimized hull and alternative fuels has been applied to the commercial shipping market.

Switijnk is currently focusing its attention on finding partners to develop and finance this innovative ship. The company currently has two other ships in service.

C-Job Naval Architects, known for other innovative ships such as the hybrid CNG-Electric ferry Texelstroom and the LNG-powered TSHD Bonny River for DEME, is currently putting the finishing touches to the FF8000 design. Business Manager Jelle Grijpstra, comments: “We often find that a design really comes to life through a 3D design, which we always use in the concept design phase. This way, even non-technical people get an idea of what the ship will look like. It really sparks people’s interest and makes for a convincing design.”

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