Cicek Launches Bulk Carrier Design at SMM

The Turkish shipbuilder Cicek Shipyard has launched a new 25,000dwt bulk carrier design at the SMM 2008 exhibition in Hamburg (23 - 26 September). Full details are available from the company on Stand 151, Hall A.
 
The current handy-size bulk carrier fleet is now ageing and Cicek believes that many owners will soon be placing orders for replacement tonnage that both meets new regulations and offers improved efficiency. Its new vessel, which was designed in-house, qualifies on both counts.
 
Berke Cicek, Vice President of Cicek Shipyard, provides more details:
 
“Our new double-hull design meets all current and anticipated environmental and safety regulations. In particular, it will qualify for the additional class notation CSR (Common Structural Rules) and will be compliant with the new Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC), which is intended to increase vessel safety and lifecycle by preventing corrosion.
 
“We have also concentrated on designing a vessel that is economical to operate. Many owners of older tonnage today are suffering because main engines built 15 or 20 years ago are expensive to run both in terms of bunkers and maintenance. We expect our vessel to operate with a crew of 22 and to maintain a service speed of 13 knots on just 21.5 tonnes a day.
 
“Further economies are expected due to the arrangement of the four holds, which are designed to be easily cleaned, thus saving time and labour.”
 
The standard design features 35-tonne cranes, enabling larger than normal grabs to be used for bulk cargoes and for loading heavy unitised cargoes such as steel coil. Strengthening of the tank top to 20 tonnes/m2 and MacGregor hydraulic hatchcovers are also key features when it comes to increasing the speed of loading and discharge.
 
Although this 25,000-tonner is intended to be a standard design, Cicek is quite flexible and is happy to discuss with owners any special requirements they may have including different engine specifications for a higher service speed and alternative crane configurations. The yard is also able to offer delivery dates in 2010.