German shipowner Vega-Reederei has ordered 10 diesel-electric coaster vessels designed by Conoship International.
The company has decided to operate a 100% new-build fleet due to the age and inefficiency of its current fleet.
Each 3,800 DWT general cargo vessel will use electro motors paired with diesel generator sets. A large diameter propeller, combined with a ConoDuctTail – a fuel-saving aft ship design – and an optimized hull will deliver a high level of efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
The design will also enable an eConowind wind-assisted propulsion unit to be integrated at a later date to provide further fuel and emissions savings.
Each vessel can easily be upgraded to operate on a fully electric propulsion package by replacing the three main engines with renewable power sources such as hydrogen cells.
Conoship International’s vessel design is stated to meet and surpass environmental standards set by the maritime industry. The building contracts have been signed by a Sinomach Group company and deliveries are scheduled to take place monthly, from August 2024 until May 2025.