MES to build two neo Supramax 66BC bulk carriers

Japan’s Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) is to build two next generation “neo Supramax 66BC” bulk carriers for a customer it identifies as a “first class shipowner.” Developed as a low fuel consumption, eco-friendly ship, the 66,000 dwt  design retains the usability of MES’ best selling 56,000 dwt “Mitsui 56” type handymax bulk carrier for which over 170 contracts were received. The new and larger design is expected to establish a new segment in the bulk carrier market.

Development of the ship’s design was preceded by input from various owners and operators and investigations on more than 600 ports all over the world. This ship is designed to have over-Panamax beam (36 m) and shallow draft in consideration of prevailing trade patterns and the expansion of Panama Canal in 2014.

Despite its larger deadweight and cargo capacity than Mitsui 56, neo Supramax 66BC achieves even less fuel consumption by adopting a newly developed hullform and other energy saving equipment. In fact, the fuel consumption is far lower than that imposed by the new energy efficiency design index (EEDI) agreed at the most recent session of IMO’s MEPC.

The wide beam, shallow draft design has the following principal particulars:
Length overall – abt. 200 m
Beam (molded) – 36.00 m
Depth (molded) – 18.45 m
Deadweight abt.- 66,000 mt
Service Speed 14.5 kts (NSR)

Special Features

The ship is equipped with deck cranes and keeps the superior usability of Mitsui 56.

• Fuel consumption of the ship is less than the existing types of handymax bulkers.
• The ship is designed to have wide beam and shallow draft while keeping sufficient capacity for loading various bulk cargoes including coal, iron ore, wheat, barley, soya beans, etc.
• The ship can also accommodate lengthy/heavy cargoes such as steel pipe and hot coil.
• Hatch opening of the ship is optimized to meet the existing cargo handling facilities at various ports.

• July 27, 2011