Mid-September saw Japan's Universal Shipbuilding Corporation launch and deliver its new 200,000DWT bulk carrier 'Katsura'.
The big new cargo ship was designed and built at the company's Tsu Shipyard, located on the shores of Ise Bay south west of Tokyo. The shipyard is one of five building yards operated by Universal and specialises in the construction of large-sized merchant ships and offshore structures including VLCC tankers, LPG/LNG carriers and FPSO vessels in addition to bulkers.
'Katsura' was constructed to Nippon Kaiji Kyokai classification standards and measures 299.7 metres in overall length by 50 metres in beam. Depth to main deck is 25 metres while its tonnage measurement is 106,333GT.
The vessel was built to Universal's standard "Newcastle-Maxim" 200,000DWT bulker design that has been optimised for port operations by maximising cargo carrying capacity while maintaining a reasonable operating draught. The all-steel hull design provides a cargo capacity of more than 210,000m3, while loaded draught is under 18 metres. The hull is arranged with nine cargo holds, each fitted with a large area cargo hatch allowing for rapid loading and unloading.
Propulsion is provided by a MAN-B&W 6S70MC-C main engine driving a single screw for an operating speed of 14.7 knots. The builder's self-developed "Axe-Bow" design provides a significant increase in hull efficiency through waves reducing overall fuel consumption.
With environmental regulations becoming more stringent, Universal's design is built to meet all MARPOL requirements including those governing exhaust emissions as well as ballast water exchange.
Universal Shipbuilding's Tsu Shipyard specialises in the new building of large-sized merchant ships and offshore structures such as VLCCs, LPG/LNG carriers, FSOs and FPSOs.
