Dutch firm unveils new design of sea-river carrier with wind-assist propulsion

Dutch naval architects Conoship International has unveiled the first images of a new design of 3,600DWT general cargo vessel suited for sea-river operations.

Six ships will initially be built in the series. Construction will take place at Fosen Yard in Emden, Germany, beginning in the spring of 2022.

Each ship in the series will have an LOA of 88 metres, a moulded beam of 13.2 metres, a maximum draught of five metres, and both diesel-electric and wind-assisted propulsion, which can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by about 10 per cent depending on the route.

Conoship said the diesel-electric propulsion can be modified to accommodate alternative fuels such as liquid hydrogen and ammonia.

All six ships are scheduled for delivery in 2023.