Green Cape Trader 2300: The Dutch answer on expensive fuel and future exhaust emission regulations

DSM Shipbrokers of Meppel in the Netherlands offers a new extremely
economic vessel, specifically developed for very flexible coastal
sea/river trading and built by the Dutch Shipyard De Kaap in the Netherlands. De Kaap is known for previous built coasters and tankers and has a very good reputation as
builder of smaller quality coasters.
The Green Cape Trader launched in June is the first of a serial production of new “green concept” coasters with very economical fuel consumption.
The Green Cape Trader is a 2300 DWT MPP coaster with a low draft with double propulsion, powered by 2 diesel/electric units, placed in line in the vessel. 2
Reintjes gearboxes drive the new developed sophisticated propellers
pushing the vessel to a speed of 10 knots.(Vessel fully loaded) The
double propulsion will give the vessel also a very good maneuverability,
which is an additional advantage in smaller ports. The vessel has
excellent stowage flexibility for general cargoes as steel, coils,
timber, coal, grain and dangerous goods.Due to the fact that the propulsion is now powered by relatively smaller
diesel/electric units (750 kW) , the vessels consumes substantially
less Gasoil than similar vessels with normal main engines. Similar
vessels with authentic engines are consuming between 4400 and 5400
litres Gasoil per 24 hours. The new Green Cape Trader will need less
than ± 3300 litres per 24 hrs.
With today’s bunker prices this can make a saving on Gasoil only of about 100.000 Euro’s per year, based on the kind of trade the vessel operates in, but this figure is an average on a vessel operating in the European coastal trade. Figures are not
only an estimation, but meantime tested and a vessel equipped with same
system is showing the expected results. Differences in lower consumption
upto 30 % and sometimes even more have been managed already. Lower
consumption of gasoil reduces the vessels exhaust emissions.
Engine maintenance on board can be strongly reduced and engine rooms need less
equipment. Lubes consumption will be also be reduced and engine rooms
can be kept clean and smaller. The concept will now be realized in the first 2300 dwt general cargo vessel, ordered by Dutch operators.
The launched vessel will be delivered next winter to her owners as low
draft sea-river liner, able to trade all European inland ports on the
Albert-Canal, Rhone, Rhine etc. Same vessel can also be delivered with a
higher wheelhouse as general coaster with a higher air-draft. The yard
has planned a serial construction, which means the vessel can be
delivered against a very reasonable price within a short delivery time,
eventually equipped with an excavator or higher wheelhouse and when
needed with a different length over all ! The yard is very flexible
regarding adjustments.
Source: DSM Shipbrokers