VESSEL REVIEW | Alexia – Royal Wagenborg places low-emission multi-purpose cargo carrier into service

A new multi-purpose cargo vessel ordered by Netherlands-based shipping company Royal Wagenborg was recently handed over by local shipyard Royal Niestern Sander.

Designed by Dutch naval architecture firm Conoship International, Alexia is the fourth in a series of vessels ordered by Wagenborg from the same builder. Conoship said the design of this series started with the requirements of a maximum hold volume, maximum deadweight, and maximum fuel savings within the size limitations of the yard location.

Also, the vessel needed to be easy to build and operate, in addition to being suitable for worldwide commercial operations, including in such areas as the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the St Lawrence Seaway in Canada, the Panama Canal, and the Suez Canal.

Both Conoship and Niestern Sander were able to design what they claim is a relatively large vessel in terms of cargo intake and hold capacity but without any major increase in overall dimensions or tonnage.

Revised bridge and accommodation placement for improved performance and comfort

Like its earlier sisters Egbert Wagenborg, Maxima, and Amalia, Alexia has a length of 149 metres (489 feet), a beam of 15.9 metres (52.2 feet), a draught of 7.2 metres (24 feet) in open top configuration, and a moulded depth of 12.2 metres (40 feet).

Two box-type holds with a combined capacity of 17,700 cubic metres (625,000 cubic feet) can transport both bulk and general cargo totalling more than 14,000 tonnes. The holds are fitted with one hatch each as well as dehumidifying equipment and electrical ventilation. The hatch covers were supplied by Coops and Nieborg.

Unlike most general cargo vessels currently in operation, Alexia has her bridge and accommodation positioned at the front of the ship, as one of the principles for her design was to have maximum dimensions and capacity in two box-shaped holds.

Positioning the accommodation in the fore part of the ship – where much of the shape is located that is needed for low fuel consumption – creates greater hold volume in the aft section and on deck. It also reduces the overall tonnage.

Another advantage is that there are no line-of-sight restrictions as regards deck cargo and project cargo. As a result, the accommodation of the vessel can be situated one deck lower. The centre of gravity is also lowered, thus improving stability as well as load capacity.

Finally, the lower accommodation construction creates an aerodynamic shape with lower resistance. This results in reduced fuel consumption and excellent seakeeping performance. The company claims the ship’s design ensures as much as 60 per cent fewer CO2 emissions compared to its contemporaries.

Positioning the accommodation in the fore part and the engine room aft means that the noise level in the crew cabins is very low. In the working areas, special attention was paid to ergonomics, safety, technology and layout. In the bridge, for example, the layout ensures a full 360-degree view as well as a hold entrance in the area between the two holds.

The ship has satellite links for on board TV and internet connectivity. This allows the crew to communicate with their people back home. Moreover, the internet connection allows equipment and systems to be monitored remotely from shore for maintenance and support.

Hold arrangement configured for maximising available space

The design also means that there is only a limited amount of equipment in the holds. For example, there are no tween decks, container fittings, securing eyes or girders in the hatch package as for most bulk cargo types, such options are unnecessary.

There are, however, separation bulkheads, and hold lighting. The result is a lighter vessel that is easy to operate and maintain.

The propulsion arrangement consists of a main engine with a total installed power of just under 3,000 kW (4,000hp), two Scania 356kW auxiliary engines, a 4,200mm controllable-pitch propeller, and a 750kW bow thruster. The propulsion, which can run on both MGO and heavy fuel oil, delivers a service speed of 11.5 knots.

Gearless cargo cranes are also fitted for loading and unloading. Tank capacities are 510 cubic metres (18,000 cubic feet) for HFO, 76 cubic metres (2,700 cubic feet) for MGO, 4,740 cubic metres (167,000 cubic feet) for ballast water, and 52.4 cubic metres (1,850 cubic feet) for freshwater.

Alexia and her sisters were built to Bureau Veritas and Finnish/Swedish Ice Class 1A requirements.