Naval architect provides more info on giant ACL CONROs

AUGUST 16, 2012 — Danish naval architecture firm Knud E. Hansen A/S has released more details of the five giant CONRO vessels (RO/RO containerships) ordered from China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding by Grimaldi Group member Atlantic Container Line (ACL). (See earlier story).

The vessels will be the world’s largest ever CONRO ships. The five G4 (Generation 4) class ships will, on delivery, ]replace ACL’s current fleet of G3 vessels, built between 1984-85.

Knud E. Hansen A/S has been responsible for the basic design of the G4 class and will deliver to the shipbuilder a full basic design package to the shipbuilder, including: class drawings, general design of hull and outfitting, machinery plant arrangement, HVAC and electrical & automation design.

Over the past year, Knud E. Hansen A/S has worked closely with the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard, as well as in close consultation with the shipowner, to develop and optimize the design to the client’s needs.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The vessel has been designed and will be constructed as a modern partly open top CONRO vessel carrying both containers and Roll-on Roll-off cargo. RO/RO spaces are arranged around the mid-ship area and container bays arranged in both ends of the vessel. The vessels will have adjustable RO/RO decks plus many other innovations, and have far better energy efficiency than their predecessors.

The vessels will have a transom stern, high efficiency rudder and single screw fixed pitch propeller directly driven by a slow speed diesel engine. The engine room will be located aft and all living quarters including the navigation bridge will be located mid-ship, on top of the garage.

intended to trade on international voyages, the ships are designed to have good seagoing capability and reliability, plus good maneuverability at sea and in port. They have been designed and optimized for efficient cargo turnaround in port.

MAIN DIMENSIONS

Length, overall (excluding stern ramp) Abt. 296.00 m

Length, between perpendiculars 287.00 m

Breadth, molded 37.60 m

Depth, molded (to No.3 deck) 14.00 m

Depth, molded (to No.4 deck) 22.95 m

Design draft, molded 10.25 m

Deadweight at design draft 45,000 t RoRo Capacity 28,900 m2

Container Capacity – Above hatch 2,686 TEU
– Below hatch 1,114 TEU

Total Capacity 3,800 TEU

Service speed (at 90 percent MCR) 18.0 knots with 15 percent sea margin

Prior to the contract signing, Knud E. Hansen A/S carried out a thorough project study including contract design and calculations. Knud E. Hansen A/S also assisted the shipbuilder in coordinating with ACL during the contract phase, by providing technical expertise and advice.