Business, Freight News, Sea

Eureka Plans Advanced Great Lakes Vessel

[ April 19, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Eureka Shipping, a Montreal-based cement carrier services provider, said it is building an advanced mechanical/pneumatic cement ship destined for operation in the Great Lakes.
The 12,500-deadweight-tonne vessel is designed to replace two older vessels, while maintaining the same cargo capacity.
“Building a ship aligned with eco-friendly principles is a top priority for both Eureka Shipping and our customer,” said Kai Grotterud, managing director of Eureka Shipping, which is owned by SMT Shipping and The CSL Group. “Our new cement carrier is expected to contribute significantly to decarbonization by drastically reducing the emissions per tonne of cargo carried.”
The vessel features a diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of four generator sets, providing redundancy for both navigation and cargo operation. The modern, fuel-efficient engines capable of operating on HVO biofuel, to enhance performance and reduce emissions. Two rudder propellers with 360 degree thrust, plus a powerful bow-thruster, provide maneuverability and optimized navigation safety.
Energy-saving measures to minimize power consumption, including LED lighting throughout, advanced cargo handling equipment to reduce power usage during loading and unloading operations, extensive noise insulations and silencers on machinery and cargo handling equipment, and operable on shore power when such power becomes available.
The new vessel, under construction by the Holland Shipyard Group in the Netherlands, is scheduled for delivery in 2025 and will commence operations in the Great Lakes region.
Prior to the new vessel’s arrival in Canada, Eureka Shipping will use the Sunnanvik, the first sail-equipped vessel to operate in the Great Lakes. The 8,600 dwt mechanical/pneumatic cement carrier previously operating in Europe, to service its trade routes starting in early April. Equipped with modified discharge equipment tailored to the customer’s receiving terminals, the vessel will discharge cargo at rates of up to 1,000 tonnes per hour.
As part of Eureka’s decarbonization commitment, Sunnanvik was fitted with two flexible, vertical Ventofoil “wing” sails from Econowind in 2023. These innovative sails harness wind energy to provide additional thrust, contributing to lower emissions. Conditions permitting, they will be tested on the Great Lakes, enhancing the vessel’s speed in favorable wind conditions.
Eureka Shipping Ltd. owns and commercially operates a fleet of self-unloading cement carriers ranging in size from 3,000 to 23.000 dwt in the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean and the Great Lakes.
SMT Shipping in the past 30 years has grown to a fleet of about 72 vessels through a number of joint venture companies operating in various bulk commodities markets.
The CSL Group provides a broad range of shipping and handling services for customers in the construction, steel, energy and agri-food sectors, with operations throughout the Americas, Australia, Europe and Africa.

Tags: Eureka Shipping