Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said they have developed a new energy-saving technology that reduces the wind resistance of a vessel’s superstructure.
The technology, called MT-COWL, lowers wind resistance by attaching an add-on structure to the facades of the bridge wings and support pillars for the vessel’s superstructure. These add-ons create corners with a slanted shape to reduce the effects of wind resistance, said NYK Line in a July 6 press release.
A prototype of the MT-COWL has been installed on the 180,000 DWT bulker, Cardinal Victory, and tested during the vessel’s trial voyage. Cardinal Victory was ordered by NYK Line, which took delivery of the vessel on July 4.
The carrier said a wind tunnel test using the model showed that wind resistance was reduced by 10 percent. “Applying this percentage to a 180,000-DWT bulk carrier, a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 520 tons a year can be realized as a result of the enhanced fuel efficiency.”
NYK said the technology could be applied to both new and existing vessels.
