Photo courtesy Deltamarine
In a bid to build the most efficient bulkcarriers on the market, China Navigation has returned to Cargotec for 16electrically-driven bulk versions of its variable frequency drive MacGregorcranes. The order has been booked in the second quarter 2012 order intake.
For its new series of four 39, 500 dwt handysized bulk carriers, Bdelta37 type, The China Navigation Company Pte CoLtd, (CNCo), has specified electrically-driven variable frequency drive(VFD) versions of MacGregor bulk handling cranes from Cargotec.
The Bdelta37 vessels will be constructed atChengxi Shipyard in China and are scheduled for delivery in 2013 and 2014.Each will be equipped with four GLBE 3026-2 MacGregor cranes. Thereare options open for a further six vessels.
“This order builds on the positive experiencealready enjoyed by CNCo with our products and services and, in particular, our electric cranes, “ says Per-Erik Nilsson, Sales and Marketing Directorfor cargo handling cranes at Cargotec. “Furthermore, CNCo appreciatesour extensive pre-order cooperation, ensuring that the equipment specifiedis exactly right to meet the company’s high performance and environmentalaspirations for its new vessels. In fact, one of the main reasons why CNCoopted for electric cranes again is to own and operate the most fuel-efficienthandy bulk carriers on the market.”
“Efficiency savings are mainly attributableto a 30 to 35% reduction in power compared to Macgregor’s closed loop electro-hydrauliccranes and between 60 to 70% for open loop cranes plus faster and moreaccurate hook and grab positioning, which reduces time spent in port. Together, these factors will result in significantly lower fuel consumption in portthereby lowering the carbon footprint. “
He adds: “MacGregor VFD cranes offermany advantages. They have fewer moving parts and the life expectancy ofthe components is greater than with electro-hydraulic systems. Therefore, maintenance and repair is much easier.”
“Nevertheless, our fully electric cranesinherit the best characteristics of the previous GL series of electro-hydrauliccranes. All the machinery is enclosed within the central housing, providingprotection from harsh weather, corrosion and mechanical damage.”
CNCo is the deep-sea ship-owning and operatingarm of the Swire group of companies and is wholly-owned by the group’sparent company, John Swire & Sons. In 2006, as part of a drive to increaseits environmental performance, CNCo made the decision to evaluate the benefitsof a MacGregor electrically-driven crane.
The electric crane trial was part of a majorupgrade of existing 20-year-old MacGregor electro-hydraulic cranes on thecompany’s four 41, 500 dwt “D-Class” multi-purpose ships. In March2007 a VFD electric crane was installed on Pacific Flores, replacing thevessel’s existing No 2 crane. At the time of fitting, CNCo said that ifthe trial proved successful, electric cranes would be considered for futurenewbuilds and conversions.
Subsequently, in 2010, CNCo specified VFDMacGregor cranes for eight 31, 000 dwt multi-purpose vessels on order atZhejiang Ouhua Shipbuilding Co Ltd (Ouhua), on Zhoushan Island in China.Cargotec also received orders from CNCo for the hatch covers andfixed fittings. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between Januaryand August 2013.
“To date, more than 200 electric craneshave been specified by various owners and put into our order backlog. Thisrepresents a significant breakthrough for the VFD crane and a clear signof the shift in technology from hydraulic systems to variable frequencydrives, “ noted Mr Nilsson.
Cargotec improves the efficiency of cargoflows on land and at sea – wherever cargo is on the move. Cargotec’s daughterbrands, Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor are recognised leaders in cargo andload handling solutions around the world. Cargotec’s global network ispositioned close to customers and offers extensive services that ensurethe continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment. Cargotec’ssales totalled EUR 3.1 billion in 2011 and it employs approximately 10, 500people. Cargotec’s class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki undersymbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com
MacGregor is the global market-leading brandin marine cargo handling and offshore load-handling solutions. Customer-driven, MacGregor’s engineering and service solutions for the maritime transportationindustry and the offshore load-handling and naval logistics markets areused on board merchant ships, offshore support vessels, and in ports andterminals. www.macgregor-group.com ;
The China Navigation Company Pte Ltd (CNCo)is the wholly owned, deep-sea shipowning and operating arm of the Swiregroup. The Company operates a global network of multi-purpose liner services, trading as Swire Shipping, for the transportation of containerised, breakbulk, heavylift and project cargoes in addition to providing drybulk and bulklogistics services. CNCo is a market leader in the Asia Pacific region of scheduled multipurpose liner trades operating between North, East and South-East Asia to the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealandand to the West Coast of the USA and Canada. CNCo is a foundermember of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI). www.chinanav.com ;
