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A change in the design of two new Handysize dry cargo vessels has been found to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 11 percent, according to Danish shipping company Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S (Norden).

Norden, in cooperation with Jiangmen Nanyang Shipyard (JNS), Shanghai Bestway Marine Engineering Design and Stone Marine Propulsion has modified a vessel design to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption on two of NORDEN’s new Handysize vessels, thanks mainly to a larger main engine and a larger propeller.

“According to our calculations the investments in redesign will be paid back in 4 years by the savings in fuel consumption. In addition to this, we expect that the design will increase the market value of the vessels. This initiative is a textbook example of how environmental and economic concerns walk hand in hand, which is why we have had no doubts whether we should invest in this project or not. At the same time this is yet another step to ensure progress in our work in the climate area,” said Senior Vice President Lars Lundegaard, Head of Norden’s Technical Department.

Senior New Building Manager Alex Hjortnæs from the Newbuilding Section in the Technical Department is the person behind the idea of the modified design. In short, the redesign consists of a larger main engine, which is optimised to a lower rotation speed, and a larger propeller. The design is developed from the principle that a large propeller turning slowly has a higher efficiency compared to a small propeller turning quickly.

The two new vessels, which will be delivered at the turn of the year 2011/2012, will also include other technical improvements to enhance performance and energy effificency. These improvements are expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3 percent.

Amongst the new improvements is new antifouling to reduce friction, which could potentially cut fuel consumption and emissions by a further 2 percent.

According to Norden, the overall energy savings on both new Handysize vessels will be 15.4 percent.

Norden said it is also currently looking into how the new design can be used on future newbuilds.