Dutch container ship offers 40-percent fuel savings

A Dutch shipowner has unveiled details of a large cargo ship that could help reduce fuel consumption by 30 percent to 40 percent when transporting 20-foot containers.

Christened the Ursa Montana, the 192-meter (630-foot) vessel is expected to sail on Dec. 10 from the Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland, containing as many as 824 of the 20-foot containers, also referred to as 824 twenty-foot equivalent units (teu). The ship was previously able to carry 500 teu.

The added cargo reduces the number of trips necessary, producing a potential fuel savings and emissions reduction of 30 percent to 40 percent.

The shipping industry is responsible for nearly 3 percent of global emissions but hasn't been subject to emissions-reduction agreements. Shipping emissions could grow by 150 percent to 250 percent from 2007 levels by maintaining business-as-usual practices because of growth in the sector, according to a study released in May by the International Maritime Organisation.

However, the study said the shipping industry could significantly reduce emissions at no cost by employing techniques such as reducing speed, using kite sails, and upgrading machinery in hulls, engines and propellers. The changes could lead to 25 percent to 75 percent reductions in emissions from current levels, the group said (see Report: Shipping sector could cut CO2 by 25%—at no cost).

The Ursa Montana consists of two parts that can sail independently. The streamlined ship doesn't need anchors or mooring ropes because it's equipped with a submersible mooring system, which allows it to submerge the hull by selectively flooding compartments. The ship can also pass under bridges that typically allow cargo ships with just 704 teu.

The Chinese-built ship isn't the only innovation to come out of the shipping industry recently, but it's expected to be an early solution to the sector's emissions problems.

Japanese shipping giant unveiled a model of its cargo ship in July that could emit 70 percent less emissions thanks to weight reductions, streamlining, and use of renewable energy. Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line (NYK Line) said it wants to use fuel cells, solar cells and wind power on the ship, which is still years from being built (see NYK Line reveals model for low-emission cargo ship).