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JMU ‘J-Series’ bulker overcomes negative impacts of new regulations

Shipbuilder Japan Marine United (JMU) is rolling out its latest “J-Series” bulker design which uses technology to overcome negative impact of meeting new regulations.

Marcus Hand, Editor

June 5, 2018

1 Min Read
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The J-Series design is initially for kamsarmax bulkers and complies with the harmonized common structural rules, NOx Tier III regulations, and the 0.5% SOx global cap.

An official from JMU explained to the Japan Seminar at Posidonia 2018 that due to the increased equipment and steel required to meet new regulations this decreased fuel consumption. However, JMU was able to overcome the negative impact of more equipment on the vessel and increased steel in the hull using the latest technologies.

The vessel’s hull has been optimised and tested in the shipyard’s own model tank. JMU has also added energy saving devices including a new shape of propeller, a new rudder and a trademarked super stream duct.

Seatrade Maritime News is reporting Live From Posidonia 2018

Without the new technology added by JMU the kamsarmax bulker would have suffered a 1% reduction in deadweight, a 2% reduction in cargo carrying capacity, and 4% drop in fuel consumption. However, the new features of the J-Series bulker mean that the vessel has 2% increase in deadweight rather than a loss, a 2% increase in the size of the cargo hold, and a 1% increase in fuel consumption, compared to its previous series of kamsarmax bulker.

“We overcame the negative impact of new regulations, and additionally improved the ship’s performance,” the official said.

The J-Series design can also accommodate a SOx scrubber with minimal design changes.

JMU plans to expand the design to cover capesize and ultramax bulkers, and suezmax and aframax tankers.

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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