Dutch naval architecture firm Conoship International has expanded its existing series of general cargo vessels with the introduction of a variant fitted with a 40MWh electric propulsion arrangement.
Conoship said the 89-metre vessel will deliver "zero direct emissions" while retaining the core operational parameters of its 3,800DWT platform.
The company remarked that the ship will be purpose-engineered for dedicated shortsea routes, "green" shipping corridors, and emission-restricted coastal zones.
Rather than introducing an experimental hull form, the design is built on Conoship's 3,800DWT coaster platform. By utilising a hull form validated across extensive model tests, sea trials, and active commercial operations, the design will minimise hydrodynamic resistance, directly reducing energy demand per nautical mile.
"Shipowners looking to transition to zero-emission operations do not need to take unnecessary risks on unproven hull designs," said Maarten Sickler, Sales Director at Conoship International.
The design will retain a single box-shaped hold with an optimised capacity of 4,737 cubic metres, making it suitable for general cargo, bulk commodities and project cargo for a total intake of 3,200 DWT.
The 40MWh modular energy storage system (ESS) will be configured for an operational range of 350 nautical miles at 10 knots or up to 640 nautical miles at eight knots (with sea margin and hotel load allowances factored in). The ESS will be split between dedicated forward and aft battery compartments, preserving seakeeping trim and eliminating the need for additional water ballast.
Conoship said that for routes with developing shore infrastructure, the platform can optionally incorporate a compact, downsized generator set running on fuels such as HVO or biodiesel to serve as a range extender or as backup.