Holland Shipyards Group has won a contract from Hartel Shipping & Chartering for the construction of three multi-purpose coasters of 3,800 DWT. The three future vessels will combine a diesel-electric drivetrain with a new sailing system called VentiFoil.
Designed by Conoship, the new vessels measure 89.42 meters by 13.20 meters. The coasters will have a cargo hold capacity of 5,530 cubic-meter and a tween deck to allow for increased project cargo capacity.
In response to an increased focus on sustainability, Hartel Shipping has opted for a diesel-electric drivetrain, allowing for running on sustainable fuels now and later on in the future. The power to handle short-sea operations will be mainly provided by two 374 bkW electro motors, with a total installed power of 749 kW.
The shipbuilder said frequency-controlled, diesel-electric power train regulates the speed of the screw on the basis of variables such as load factor, water level, and navigation route. According to the shipping company, this results in fuel savings of up to 35%, which in turn reduces toxic emissions.
Further energy savings ranging between 8-12% on this already remarkably efficient design will be realized by fitting a VentiFoil system on the first vessel. The Ventifoil is an innovative foldable and autonomous unit for wind-assisted ship propulsion, helping to propel a variety of coastal vessels. This “non-rotating suction wing with vents and an internal fan” is basically a folded type of sail that can rotate around its own axis. This innovative design makes it more efficient in terms of aerodynamics and also takes up very little space.
“With these new vessels, Hartel Shipping will position its fleet at the forefront of sustainability in the short-sea market. For Holland Shipyards Group, this order marks a return to the short-sea market, as well as an expansion of its sustainable efforts in other market segments than ferries, inland ships, and workboats,” Hartel Shipping said.
