Ian TaylorDamen Shipyards Group has announced that, working with Atal Solutions and other partners, it has completed the retrofitting of efficiency-boosting technologies on four BAM Shipping bulk carriers that are expected to lower the vessels’ fuel consumption and emissions significantly.
In a statement issued today (8 May), Damen said that: ‘In aiming to reduce fuel consumption, the project has maintained five main focal points: resistance in the water, optimising power usage, enhancing propulsion, cutting emissions and lubrication systems.’
The initial plan was to install a range of solutions including: the Damen Air Cavity System (DACS) marine lubrication system, the Damen Triton IoT solution, low friction anti-fouling paint, variable frequency drives, shore power connectivity, LED lamps, a wake equalising pre- and post swirl duct, CO2 capture systems and DEX QM lubrication technology.
Damen and its project partners calculated that these measures would reduce fuel consumption by 20-25%, and cut emissions by around 90%. However, as the work progressed, the scope was broadened to incorporate four more efficiency-boosting solutions, which included: fuel additives, oil lubricant additives, a Hempel propeller coating, and use of nano EFX (a spray solution that is applied to the engine’s air intake, to ionise humidity and ensure optimal fuel combustion), minimising consumption, emissions and carbon deposits.
According to the statement on Damen’s website, the vessels will be verified by classification society RINA in the coming weeks, at which point the total volume of fuel savings will be confirmed. However, two of the vessels have already been in operation following the initial retrofit measures and they are reported to be ‘showing signs of meeting their anticipated efficiency goals’.
While Damen has been installing the technologies, Atal Solutions arranged the $123.7 million funding for the project.
Damen’s Business Development Manager Rutger van Dam commented: ‘This has been a very exciting project. What we have done here, with the integration of so many different solutions to achieve a combined result, is unprecedented. Of course, there have been challenges along the way, but the outcome has been successful and just goes to show that, with the right people, and the right mindset, you can go a long way. The lessons we have learned on this project will be invaluable as we continue to work towards our goal to become the most sustainable maritime solutions provider.’
Edwin Sieswerda, CEO/Founder of Atal Solutions, added: ‘We are very pleased with the preliminary results of this project, and are looking forward to the class verification in the coming weeks. At that point, we will gain a clear picture of how significant the fuel savings resulting from these measures have been. Judging by the performance of the vessels operating already, we expect a positive result.’
Image: Damen
Rhys Berry
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