Shanghai: British classification society Lloyd's Register and Shenzhen-listed Shanghai Bestway Marine Engineering Design (Bestway) are to jointly develop a new fuel-efficient bulk carrier in response to increasing pressure from owners and regulators for shipbuilders to offer environmentally friendlier and more cost-effective vessels.
"Economic and legislative drivers are motivating designers to reconsider the environmental impact of their products. In the foreseeable future, the environmental impact of commercial ships will increasingly influence their designs, the way they're operated and their eventual disposal," said Nick Brown, Country and Marine Manager, China, LR. "As one of our Group mandates is to promote and support safe and sustainable shipping, we are bringing our expertise to the table to support the maritime industry as it searches for greener forms of trade transport."
The project will be divided into two work packages: energy-efficiency research into the ship's hull and systems; and technical approval and implementation of the proposed solutions.
Work will focus on finding energy-efficient alternatives for a 35,000-Dwt "Handysize" bulk carrier.
"We are investing in green-ship technology to develop innovative solutions and ensure that we are in a position to meet the demand for the green-ship designs that are increasingly sought-after by owners," said Liu Nan, Bestway Board Chairman and General Manager. "We are therefore delighted to be able to work with Lloyd's Register on this research project, which has the ultimate aim of developing a green design with maximum energy efficiency and minimum environmental impact." [1/12/09]
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