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Feature 1 | SHIPBUILDING IN CHINA Lloyd’s Register spreads the word


Lloyd’s Register partners Chinese design houses in an effort to improve existing ship designs and develop new models from scratch.


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loyd’s Register is looking to develop its new ideas through joint development projects helping local design houses


and shipyards to create greener and more energy efficient ship models on the one hand, and forming cooperation that can later be translated into additional business opportunities for the class society, according to Nick Brown, country and marine manager, China of Lloyd’s Register. A recent example is the classification


society’s joint development project with Shenzhen-listed Shanghai Bestway Marine Engineering Design (Bestway) to optimise an existing design of 32,000 dwt bulk carrier. Te improved design will be of 35,000dwt. Te institute is to ensure that the new model will be more energy efficient, more environmentally friendly than the existing one and comply with international regulations. Started in 2009, the two-year project has two


stages. In the first phase, the team has focused on studying the friction and shape of the hull and the position of the propeller in order to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. The research team has also worked on


the shape of the accommodation block which catches a lot of wind while the ship is sailing. Te institute is studying the possibility of making the accommodation block aerodynamic in order to reduce the level of air resistance of the ship and make it more energy efficient. But, such a design will potentially add to the production costs as there will be more welding involved. Te research team has to take into account whether the extra cost can be offset by the fuel cost saved. Regarding what coating to use, the team has


been considering using a silicon-based paint, which is more expensive and more commonly used on larger and faster ships such as large tankers, LNG or box carriers. Again, whether the fuel costs, which will be saved in the long run can make up for the higher cost of the paint itself is a key question. Operational factors such as smaller vessels tend to be damaged more easily during operations are to be taken into account during the design process. The first phase of the project is still in progress and the team is conducting ship


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Bestway 35,000dwt bulk carrier model at Wuxi Model Basin. Courtesy of Bestway Shanghai.


model tests in a public facility in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province of China at the moment. It is estimated that the new design would be able to save up to 10% of fuel comparing with the present design, according to Dr. Fai Cheng, senior principal surveyor, head of strategic research group at Lloyd’s Register. In the second phase, during 2011, the research team will incorporate the results from the first stage into the ship design. Mr Brown explained that the majority of the


existing handysize bulk vessels are more than 15 years old and their designs are more than 18 years old, and some of them even have designs of more than 20 or even 30 years old. Terefore, a new, greener, more energy efficient design should be welcomed by the market. Meanwhile, Lloyd’s Register has started a


similar joint development project with the Shanghai Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), a design house under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), on the improvement of an existing design of bulk carrier of the size of up to capesize. Having participated in joint development


projects of bulkers and gas carriers, the institute also hopes to move into the R&D of


other ship types, such as feeder containerships. Apart from new ship model research, the classification society has since last September launched services to help shipyards improve their efficiency in welding and non-destructive examination. Te institute offers to examine the whole


welding process and facilities of its clients, including training, control of consumable, welding procedure and equipment. It also carries out results analysis of the non-destructive examinations for the yards to find out the trend of common problems and locate the root cause of such problems. Tis can help customers to shorten the overall shipbuilding period by reducing the number of repairs needed during the shipbuilding process. Commenting on the current Chinese


shipbuilding industry, Mr Brown said human capital is one of the biggest challenges in the country. Tere are many new shipyards and the existing yards are expanding quickly, but there are not enough experienced production managers, designers and technicians as it takes time for the managers and engineers to accumulate experience. NA


The Naval Architect September 2010


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