MaK-Propelled Container Vessel Built For U.S.-Based Owner, Christened "Tropic Sun7
Singapore Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd. (SSE) christened BO 320, one of two 392-teu R0R0/L0L0 container vessels built for American- based Tropical Shipping & Construction Co. Ltd.
Christened "Tropic Sun," the vessel was ready a month ahead of schedule and was delivered at the end of January. The vessel joins Tropical's 12 other vessels in serving 18 ports in the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Central America from its base in the Port of Palm Beach, Fla.
Powered by two MaK type 9M 453C, four-stroke, turbocharged and intercooled engines driving Lohmann & Stolterfoht Navilus reduction gears, the Tropic Sun has a service speed in excess of 15 knots. Two Lips type 4L9/VL80, controllable- pitch propellers, each fourblade with a 3,500 mm diameter, were also supplied.
Lips also supplied shafting and a bowthruster to increase maneuverability. Electrical power onboard is supplied by two Caterpillar 3508 TA/ SR4 main diesel alternators, a Caterpillar 3408 TA/SR4 harbor diesel alternator and a Caterpillar 3304 TA emergency unit.
The vessel, which was designed completely by SSE's team of naval architects and engineers, was tailored to meet Tropical's specific operating requirements and service standards, with a design providing a combination of stevedoring accessibility, maneuverability, speed and shallow draft capability. The hull design incorporates a well-flared stern with bulbous bow, a long parallel midbody and a streamlined aftbody and twin rudders. The ship measures 121.2 meters with a 22-meter breadth and a 6.2- meter draft. The vessel features an open, flush-deck design with the wheelhouse forward. Two 40-ton, O&K type KL 40-30m (aft) and KL 40-28.5m (forward) deck cranes provide lift-on lift-off capabilities while a MacGregor-Navire stern ramp supports roll-on roll-off capabilities. Classed by Bureau Veritas, the vessel also meets the new IMO 1992 Rules on damaged stability for RoRo vessels.
The contract was won against stiff competition from yards in Europe, the U.S. and Japan. Apart from this vessel, SSE has built and delivered 16 similar container vessels to Ger man, Greek, Indonesian ant Singapore shipowners.