Hitachi Zosen Completes VLCC Tohzan

TheTohzan, a258,792-dwtVLCC ordered by Nippon Yusen K.K., was completed at the Ariake Works of Hitachi Zosen. The vessel was christened and delivered to the owner, Wight Navigation S.A., on July 18. The vessel was developed to attain high fuel efficiency with a slim hull configuration for a VLCC. It is equipped with a Super Stream Duct an energy saving device developed by Hitachi Zosen — in front of the propeller, and a Reaction Rudder at the rear of the propeller. It is also fitted with a large bulbous bow below the water line and painted with self-polishing copolymer (SPC) to ensure the long-term hull fouling prevention. All measures were taken to improve the vessel's propulsion efficiency. The vessel uses a low-speed, longstroke, constant-pressure supercharged diesel engine. Also adopted are energy saving techniques including the Turbo Compound System (TCS), which recovers energy from exhaust gas to use for propulsion, a turbo power generator, and a shaft generator/electric motor system.

The main engine can be operated from the wheelhouse and the en- gine control room on the A deck using a microcomputer-equipped remote control system. The cargo oil lines in the tanks, arranged to allow loading three grades of crude oil, are constructed of corrosionresistant cast steel pipes for enhanced corrosion prevention. The vessel's self-stripping system allows short unloading periods.