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MOL makes changes to cargo holds to come up with more efficient coal carrier design

Japanese shipping major Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has been working with domestic shipyards to come up with a next generation coal carrier design that features no ballast holds and uniquely shaped cargo holds.

The 89,900 dwt EeneX design features a double hull, which allows for cargo holds with completely flat sides and eliminates the work of scraping out coal, thus speeding up shipments.

The design also incorporates holds that are semi-boxed in shape, which MOL said in a statement today prevents cargo from accumulating inside, again speeding up cargo handling.

The 235 m long ship design also has no ballast hold. Unlike conventional coal carriers, on which the cargo holds are sometimes filled with ballast water to maintain the ship’s stability during ballast voyages, the EeneX carrier has only dedicated cargo holds with safe stability. This saves the effort of preparation time for ballasting into cargo hold and reduces the risk of salt and rust contamination due to rust in the cargo hold.

When contacted by Splash today, MOL said it was unable to provide any artist’s impressions of the new design due to contractual arrangements with its partners in the project.

MOL has been tinkering with coal carrier designs for a number of years. In 2017, MOL along with fellow Japanese companies Tohoku Electric Power and Namura Shipbuilding earned an approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register for the design of an LNG-powered coal carrier (pictured).

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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