GIZ order for climate-neutral island supply vessel is milestone in funding project

Within an international climate protection project, Transitioning to Low Carbon Sea Transport, involving Germany’s University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, the German society for international cooperation (GIZ) has ordered construction of one Pacific island supply vessel with sail propulsion for climate-neutral ship operations. The construction contract was signed with the ship design office Kostec Co. Ltd. and the shipyard Asia Shipbuilding in South Korea. SDC Ship Design & Consult from Hamburg had been commissioned to create the tender design.

The newbuilding of about 460gt/290dwt will be around 48m long and will be operated in the Marshall Islands. Due to the good local wind conditions, the ship will be equipped with a powerful sailing system that is easy to operate and capable of automation. The sail area of the three-master will be around 500m². The power supply for the auxiliary operation is also to be provided by regenerative energy via photovoltaics, small wind turbines and a shaft generator. A small diesel engine will be used for manoeuvring and propulsion in unfavourable wind conditions. A conversion to coconut-based biodiesel should be possible in the future. In addition to the transport task, the ship should also be used for maritime training.

The construction contract is a milestone in the transitioning to low-carbon sea transport funding project of the International Climate Initiative and is intended to support the Government of the Marshall Islands in achieving its ambitious climate goals, said Professor Captain Michael Vahs from the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, which coordinates the technological development as a project partner.

The project plan envisages the keel-laying in March 2023 and delivery including an intensive testing and training programme in autumn 2023. German shipping group Briese in Leer has been commissioned to provide further support in the construction and delivery process.