Arklow Shipping, in a move to become more ‘green,’ has ordered six eco-friendly 11,000 dwt general cargo vessels to be built in the Netherlands, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The development follows a growing trend by cargo shipowners to operate in a more efficient and sustainable direction, as the ASL newbuilds are to be equipped with battery and electrical systems with green credentials.
The newbuilds will be supplied by EST-Floattech’s Octopus Lite battery energy storage systems, and the sextet are to be built by German shipbuilder Ferus Smit but at their Dutch yard.
The modular Octopus Lite battery system will support multiple onboard functions; this is to stabilize the grid during transit and provide power for loading and unloading operations. Particularly when using the onboard electric excavator.
EST-Floattech is working on and designing the Octopus battery system closely with Ferus Smit as well as collaborating with Eekels Technology, which is to handle the ships’ electrical systems.
When the eco-friendly general cargo ships are in port, the battery systems will power the bow thruster, and another benefit when berthed is electrical power with zero emissions.
The combination of these green technologies will assist in significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions across each cargo ship during its operational lifecycle.
The first of the newbuilds is scheduled for delivery in 2026, with the final ship of the series expected to take place by 2029.
ASL’s order follows previous series built by Ferus Smit, and this latest milestone marks a long-standing partnership between the Co. Wicklow shipowner and the shipyard.
Ferus Smit's Dutch shipyard is located at Westerbroek, Groningen (also offices), and its German shipyard is at Leer.
