|
Large
containerships are set to become shorter and wider, with ports already
preparing for the new dimensions well before they become a reality.
Classification society Germanischer Lloyd believes the conventional designs
for the new generation of 8,000 TEUs ships are beginning to hit their limits
in terms of length.
Any longer there would be a loss of hull stiffness, GL says in its annual
report.
"Taking the step towards shorter and broader ships with the same stowage
seems logical," says GL, which has been one of the pioneers of super post-panamax
containership designs.
The 9,200 TEUs blueprints are a case in point, with hull elasticity proving
the limiting factor.
Current designs for this size ship put the length at 350 metre which, with a
draft of 14.5 meter, would necessitate a width of at least 46 meter.
In fact, major ports have reacted very quickly to design developments, and
are already preparing for vessels of up to 50 meter in width, says GL.
"The advantages of the broad ships include, apart from the greater stiffness
and stability, the resulting possibility of dispensing with ballast water,
and the more economical use of steel," says GL.
However, there are still some obstacles in the way of this move towards
shorter and broader ships.
Experience in the 5,000 TEU size category, where designs have been modified
considerably over the years, has shown that investors prefer more
conventional proportions which, historically, have proved easier to place to
the charter market. |
