New Bulk Carrier from Imabari Offers Unique Advantages

Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. completed the 95,000 DWT bulk carrier, Raga at its Marugame Shipyard. The bulk carrier is unique in that it has adopted a next-generation superstructure called the Aero-Citadel, which according to the shipyard offers significant advantages in both air resistance and antipiracy measures.
The Aero-Citadel has slimly streamlined shape and includes the accommodation quarters, engine room and funnel casing. This superstructure can reduce the wind pressure during navigation by 25-30% based on wind tunnel testing. For example, a Capesize bulk carrier navigating at normal output against about 9m/sec head wind (Beaufort 5 class) will have fuel consumption decreased by 2%. Moreover, the new design incorporates marine use LED lighting in the accommodation and engine room lighting systems, which reduces the electric power required for lighting by about 50%.
The slim, streamlined shape facilitates turning of the bow of the ship toward windward during anchorage and decreases the risk of anchor dragging. All stairs are placed inside the superstructure as an anti-piracy measure, and the entrance on the lower level deck has thick reinforced steel doors. The accommodation windows are bulletproof, and water cannons are placed on the upper deck to prevent pirate incursions into the accommodation. A citadel facility is provided as a refuge area in the superstructure that can accommodate all the crew for several days, protected by double-layer security doors. The facility is also equipped with communication devices usable even in case of blackout, and ship maneuvering equipment such as stop main engine and steering controls, and can gather information about the ship’s status including video images and sound. Imabari Shipbuilding believes that the next-generation superstructure Aero-Citadel should be applied to all possible types of vessels. The accommodation design also includes features in accordance with the SOLAS MLC2006 requirements which will come into effect in near future, such as strengthened noise insulation and vibration counter measure. Improved living conditions for crewmembers are provided and the wheelhouse has widened backward view for safer navigation.

 
Name    Raga
Type    Bulk Carrier
Shipbuilder    Imabari Shipbuilding
Shipowner    Higaki Sangyo Kaisha
Length, o.a.    234.9m
Length, b.p.    227m
Breadth    38m
Depth    19.9m
DWT/GT    95,666/50,615
Main engine    Hitachi-MAN B&W 6S60ME-C
    (Mark 8) diesel x 1 unit
MCR    12,950kW x 101min-1
NCR    11,010kW x 95.7min-1
Speed, Service:     15 knots  
Complement    25
Classification    NK
Registry    Panama
 

(As published in the December2013 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - www.marinelink.com)