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Naval architect and marine engineering company Foreship says a "new-generation" coastal general cargo ship will achieve "major fuel consumption savings" thanks to its hull form optimization and hydrodynamic design.

Finnish owner Meriaura Group ordered two 4,700-deadweight-tonne (dwt) ice class 1A VG EcoCoaster general cargo newbuilds from Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes in January, with the first due for delivery at the end of July 2016.

Foreship says hull form and machinery optimization are expected to almost halve fuel consumption compared to conventional dry cargo vessels of similar type and size, and in turn significantly reduce fuel emissions.

Foreship worked with Meriaura and Aker Arctic Technology at the EcoCoaster's concept stage in a project that also envisages the ship using either marine gas oil (MGO) or the biofuel 'EcoFuel' to meet and even exceed maritime environmental regulations.

"Altogether, 45 hull alternatives were considered, of varying lengths and hydrostatics, with the aim of minimizing resistance while achieving small wave formation and good wake field for the propeller," commented Forship's Risto Ajanko, Senior Specialist, Hydrodynamics. "The main dimensions of the EcoCoaster were optimized, achieving the best ratio between capacity and fuel consumption."

Using Foreship's in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, the designers are said to have also found "the best compromise for performance in open water and in the ice channel", with Aker Arctic also involved in advising and model testing. In addition, analysis focussed on optimizing the smooth wave profile along the hull.

According to Foreship, the hull form includes a long and narrow bow that will achieve lower resistance in ice channels, while flare angles minimize additional resistance in waves. The aft shape features a narrow gondola to enhance wake field for the propeller.

The EcoCoaster's dual-fuel propulsion is to be delivered by an ABC 8DZC medium-speed main engine which will be suitable for biofuel and MGO.

VG-Shipping, part of Meriaura Group, operates its own biofuel refinery in Uusikaupunki. The owner's goal is for EcoCoaster vessels to make up at least half of its fleet (currently 20 vessels) within five years. A larger EcoCoaster design is also under development, Foreship said.