VESSEL REVIEW | Vigor OL Brave – Handysize bulker optimised for coal, grain and steel transport

Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has handed over a new Handysize vessel to Taiwanese dry bulk shipping company OceanLance Maritime.

Tsuneishi said Vigor OL Brave was designed with excellent trading flexibility, being capable of carrying iron ore, grain and coal along with lumber, hot coils, sulphur, and other commodities.

The vessel retains the same length as an earlier Tsuneishi bulk carrier design while offering increased deadweight capacity and enhanced fuel efficiency through the use of the builder’s patented technology.

Durable compartments that can house a broad range of cargo types

The newbuild has an LOA of 179.9 metres (590.2 feet), a moulded beam of 32.2 metres (106 feet), a summer draught of 10.78 metres (35.37 feet), a moulded depth of 15.4 metres (50.5 feet), a deadweight of approximately 42,200, and a gross tonnage of 26,700.

Cargo is transported in semi-box-type holds of double-hulled construction, and heavy cargo loading is possible when holds two and four are kept empty.

The builder said the holds provide greater suitability, particularly for transporting steel products.

Four cranes provide the ship with self-loading and -unloading capability, ensuring capability even in ports lacking in cargo handling infrastructure.

Propulsion allowing navigation in emissions control areas

The propulsion system includes a Kanadevia main engine with a rated output of 5,680 kW (7,620 hp) at 97 rpm driving a 490mm propeller. Four 2,820kW generators meanwhile provide electrical power for the various onboard systems.

The propulsion setup complies with IMO Tier III and EEDI Phase III requirements.

Vigor OL Brave sails under the flag of Liberia and will be deployed on global routes. The ship was built in compliance with ClassNK rules.