Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. recently developed OS-MAX 120, a newly designed post-Panamax bulk carrier with a capacity of 120,000DWT. In considering the expansion of the Panama Canal, OSMAX 120 have a maximized deadweight tonnage with a shallow draft feature and target significant fuel efficiency. The ships from the class the designed with the maximum overall length of 250m and the navigable draft of 15.25m (50ft), which allow passing through the expanded Panama Canal providing the carrier with the maximum loading capacity of 120,000mt. The new bulk carrier has seven cargo holds, and the hull structure is strengthened to allow jumping load of iron ore, besides coal. Development of OS-MAX 120 was carried out by emphasizing the safety to be compatible with updated regulations including the Bulk Carriers Safety Rules, fuel oil tank protection, SSR and PSPC. Thus the new bulk carrier was designed by aiming at the maximization of deadweight, shallow draft, decreased fuel oil consumption, and improvement of the ship safety. With these features, the carrier has good adaptability to cargoes of various types and can visit various local ports worldwide via the Panama Canal. Other features include employment of the Oshima Flipper Fin as appendage for greatly improved fuel efficiency in addition to the newly designed hull form, increased safety by compliance with new bulk carrier safety regulations, and adoption of the Seaworthy Bow for improved navigation performance in rough sea conditions. The ship is among ships for sale and pretty new but due to developing financial crisis cannot find ship-operator with regular routes and strong contracts to use it.

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Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation has delivered BW BROKER (HN: 1583), a 80,126m3 LPG carrier, to Fair Wind Navigation S.A. at the Sakaide Shipyard. The carrier is the 41st of the Kawasaki LPG carriers, or the second ship of the same series. The cargo ships are with a new bow design called the Kawasaki SEAARROW (Sharp Entrance Angle bow as an Arrow). This minimizes wavemaking resistance during navigation to drastically increase propulsive performance, reducing fuel consumption. Four independent cargo tanks are provided, which can contract freely from the hull construction when exposed to very low-temperature cargo. The LPG cargo tanks uses a special steel durable to very low temperature of minus 46oC, and the heat insulator made of urethane foam is applied to the surrounding barriers. The main engine is an energy-saving type, super long, and 2-cycle low speed diesel engine, and Kawasaki RBS-F (Rudder Bulb System with Fins) is installed to improve propulsion.

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Universal Shipbuilding Corporation has completed the 75,500m3 Mediterranean Max LNG carrier, CHEIKH EL MOKRANI (HN: 055), for Mediterranean LNG Maritime Transport and Cruise Ships Corporation (MLTC) at the Tsu Shipyard. The carrier is the first of two Mediterranean Max types, the order of which was placed by MLTC, a joint venture company formed by SONATRACH, HYPROC (a SONATRACH’s subsidiary), Mitsui OSK Lines, and ITOCHU Corp. in 2004. After the naming ceremony at the Tsu Shipyard, successful gas trial was conducted at the Sodegaura LNG Terminal (Chiba Pref.) of Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. The carrier was put in service for transport of LNG produced in Algeria to European countries (France, Italy, and Spain) located along the Mediterranean Sea coast. The carriers are designed to have the optimal size (75,000m3) for the Mediterranean Sea area, and are called Mediterranean Max. This ship type will contribute to reduction of LNG transport costs and the increase an efficiency. Other features include: Every main Mediterranean LNG receiving terminal ports can accept the Mediterranean Max. Energy-saving type design was first improved by Benetti is some of their yachts and then used of SURF BULB/SSD. Employment of a large capacity bow thruster provides easy ship maneuverability within a port. LNG cargo containment facilities use the GTT Mark III membrane type, with high reliability. A highly-reliable steam turbine plant is used as the main engine.