A bulk carrier developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) was recently delivered to United States-based grain processing company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).
Constructed at Nagasaki-based shipyard Oshima Shipbuilding, an MHI licensing partner, the 95,000DWT vessel measures 237 metres in length, 40 metres in width, and 12.5 metres in design draught.
The first of a three-vessel order, the carrier incorporates a range of MHI-developed technologies, including MHI's proprietary air lubrication system (MALS).
According to MHI, the MALS system reduces frictional resistance between the vessel hull and seawater, using air bubbles produced at the vessel bottom to create a "carpet" of air. This system enables a 27 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional bulk carriers.
Ordered by ADM in 2011 from Sumitomo Corporation, delivery of the three vessels is scheduled for completion by mid-2015.
The vessel also features a new bow design, which MHI says will reduce wave-making resistance. Additionally, the ship has a shallow draught and innovative propulsion system to further save energy and reduce emissions.
