Dutch owner ForestWave Navigation (FWN) is renewing its fleet with a new domestic order for two project cargo vessels.
The company has picked Ferus Smit Shipyards to build the Ecobox XL-type ships.
This design enables loading and transporting of extra-long items, such as windmill blades, while at the same time maintaining “good capabilities” as a normal general cargo ship.
“The design is such that it further enhances the excellent green performance with a reduction of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) score to a new class reference standard,” the shipbuilder said.
Groningen-based FWN was founded in 2003 and has been growing rapidly since 2011.
The company commercially operates 35 MPP vessels in the range of 6,000 dwt to 12,500 dwt.
The owned fleet of 11 ships was built between 2005 and 2013.
The two Ecobox XL vessels are the first orders placed with Ferus Smit and both parties said they are convinced this will lead to a successful collaboration in years to come.
The new vessels will have a shaped single hold, including a complete moveable tweendeck.
This will give a large floor space for project cargoes of up to 112 metres in length.
The ships will come with two 85-tonne cargo cranes. No price has been revealed for the vessels.
Deckhouse brought forward
The deckhouse will be placed on the foreship area, giving shelter to hold and deck cargoes against severe weather conditions.
This will also enable oversize deck cargoes to be loaded over the stern.
Ferus Smit is using a bulb-less Canoe-type bow, designed to reduce fuel costs and better-sustained speed with excellent sea-keeping behaviour in harsh weather and ocean conditions.
The IMO Tier III main engine will drive a controllable pitch propeller.
The ships are planned for delivery in 2024 and 2025.
