Bodewes presents sustainable dry cargo vessel

Thecla Bodewes Shipyards presents a new workhorse: the Gadus. This is a 5600 dwt, diesel-electric powered, self-unloading dry cargo vessel, versatile and adaptable to future developments. Up front, there is room for additional wind propulsion.

State-of-the-art, specially designed for diesel-electric propulsion, self-unloading with a hydraulic crane driving over the main deck to reach the entire hold. TB Shipyards goes out of its way to please potential customers. Not at least by offering options that keep the design future-proof: space has been considered for methanol tanks, hydrogen, battery packs and, on the foredeck, a spot for wind support (WASP). With these options, customers can now or retrofit their vessel to meet wishes and requirements of a few years from now.

Self-unloader

A notable feature of the Gadus design is that the vessel is self-unloading. With its own hydraulic, travelling crane, cargo can be unloaded efficiently without the need for land-based cranes or other equipment. As a self-unloader, the dwell time in port is significantly reduced, making the vessel operationally extra efficient. Gadus, by the way, is the scientific name for cod, in the yard’s tradition of naming its ships after species of fish.
The vessel is equipped with an efficient diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to optimise fuel consumption and minimise emissions. The system not only ensures operational efficiency, but also offers improved manoeuvrability, contributing to safer and more reliable voyages, says TB Shipyards. There are four generator sets on board which, combined with an advanced energy management system, enable intelligent voyage planning.

Greenhouse gas emissions

‘As environmental considerations become increasingly important to global shipping, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has integrated sustainability into every aspect of the ship’s design,’ the yard writes in a note: ‘The combination of diesel-electric propulsion and WASP retrofit capability underscores the yard’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner, more sustainable shipping practices.’
The ship has a hold volume of 277,000 cubic feet, to most efficiently transport large cargo volumes in as few voyages as possible. Those who need more cubic feet can opt for an extended version of the design. Front and stern remain the same, as does the powertrain. But a longer midship is welded between head and stern. The vessel then grows to 111 metres, with two holds totalling 370,000 cubic feet (10,477 m3) and with 7,000 dwt of cargo capacity.

Several orders already placed

The new Gadus 5,600 dwt dry cargo vessel can be ordered from now on, with customisable options to meet specific operational requirements, say the ‘ex-factory options’. The first ships of the design have been ordered and will be delivered in 2026. How many ships are involved and by whom they are ordered is market-sensitive information, says spokesperson Anniek Witzand of TB Shipyards. ‘We cannot make any statements about that yet’.

Read this article by Bart Oosterveld on Source: Weekblad Schuttevaer (for subscribers only).
Image: © Thecla Bodewes.

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