Odfjell Retrofits Chemical Tankers for Efficiency
Shipowner Odfjell is upgrading the propulsion system of 19 of its vessels with new technology to optimize energy efficiency. The vessels will be equipped with new energy efficient propeller blades, rudder-bulb and will undergo technical upgrades of the main engine, turbo chargers and shaft generator. These combined upgrades will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20 percent.
As a result, the company says the vessels will be amongst the most energy efficient chemical tankers in the world, and will achieve the highest score on the Rightship energy rating, A+.
The initial model tests, which were carried out at Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (Marintek), indicated a reduction in fuel consumption of about 15 percent for the company’s series of eleven 37,000 deadweight (dwt) vessels (Kvaerner class). However, sea trials before and after the upgrade showed an overall efficiency gain of more than 20 percent.
With such excellent result we will also upgrade an additional eight 40,000 dwt vessels (Poland class), said the company in a statement.
The concept has been developed by Odfjell, in close cooperation with MAN Diesel & Turbo, but also Grenaa Motorfabrik and ABB Turbocharging. The upgrade includes highly efficient Kappel propeller blades, fairing cone and rudder bulb, shaft generator gearbox and Odfjell determined settings.
In August, Bow Clipper (37,000 dwt) was the first vessel to be upgraded. The successful upgrading of this Kvaerner class vessel was done during scheduled dry-docking. The remaining 18 vessels are planned to be upgraded within 2017.
Due to the significant reduction in emissions the vessels, previously rated D+, will improve the energy rating to A+ on the Rightship’s energy rating. As such, the vessels will be as equally energy efficient as the eco-design vessels being built today. The last four newbuilding’s delivered to Odfjell are also rated A+.
The upgraded vessels will result in Odfjell managing one of the most eco-friendly fleet within the chemical tanker segment says Warwick Norman, CEO of RightShip. This investment in vessel efficiency demonstrates Odfjell's leadership in environmental sustainability. It is also a smart move from a business perspective positioning Odfjell advantageously in the market, he says.
“This project shows Odfjell at its finest. It is a result of a true team effort and demonstrates the deep know-how of our organization,” says Kristian Mørch, CEO of Odfjell SE.