Design and development of a high-speed container feeder for short sea shipping

Objective

The growing congestion on European highways increasingly demands for shifting cargo transport from road to other modes of transport like railways and particularly waterways. This means that ships have to become more competitive with respect to the other modes of transport. For container transport, improved concepts for vessels and efficient cargo handling and transhipment systems are needed. The main research goal is, therefore, to design and develop a high-speed container feeder for more competitive and reliable short sea shipping with the following main specifications: 350 TEU capacity, 130 m length, 16-18 m width, 6-7 m draught and better hydro-dynamics allowing it to go 50 %- faster (= 21 to 25 knots) than current feeders under the same operational conditions. Low operating costs (70-80% of conventional design). A 20-30-weight reduction by the use of high tensile steel aluminium and composite materials. Improved fuel efficiency (15%) by the use of combined contra-rotating propeller-rudder system.

Programme(s)

FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

1.1.3.-3. - Key Action Land Transport and Marine Technologies

Funding Scheme

EAW - Exploratory awards

Coordinator

HOLLAND MAAS SHIPPING B.V.

Address

Albert Plesmanweg
3088 GB Rotterdam
Netherlands

Participants (1)

TMP - TRANSPORTES MARITIMOS DE PORTUGAL, S.A.

Portugal