Netherlands-headquartered Van der Velden, part of the Damen Shipyards Group, has been contracted to supply rudders for five of the 20,000 teu mega containerships ordered by Cosco Shipping and built at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC) and CSSC Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS).
The full spade rudders being supplied are Van der Velden’s largest Atlantic rudders with ART (Asymmetric Rudder Technology) design and bulb, each having an area of approximately 100 sq m and weighing over 250 tonnes.
The rudders can be optimised for minimum cavitation at high speed, as well as ensuring course-keeping and manoeuvrability. Their water-lubricated synthetic bearings are long-lasting and require little maintenance. The rudders are designed for easy dismounting when inspections and repairs are needed, according to Van der Velden.
“We are very proud that China Cosco Shipping Corporation Limited, one of the largest container shipping lines in the world, has selected Van der Velden Marine Systems as the supplier for the rudders on their newest mega container vessels. With these contracts, we are pleased to say that we have strengthened our position in the Chinese market,” said Wim Knoester, managing director of Van der Velden.
The delivery of the rudders is scheduled to take place this year and the five vessels are expected to be launched in 2018.
State-owned Cosco Shipping ordered a total of eleven 20,000 teu containerships. Last month, the first 20,000 teu boxship, Cosco Taurus, was launched at SWS.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
