Symphony opts for new ECOBOX project cargo vessels
The new ECOBOX XL is a modification of the original Ecobox design; Symphony Star is shown here (Source: Ferus Smit)
Symphony Shipping, based in Breda, the Netherlands, has placed an order with Dutch yard Ferus Smit to build two project cargo freighters.
The 12,500dwt ships will have large floor space for large-sized project loads, including a movable tween deck. They will be equipped with two cargo cranes and classified with ice class 1A, open top notation and Green Passport. The deckhouse is positioned on the foreship for better protection of deck cargo and to enable loading of oversized items over the stern.
The new type Ecobox XL ships will be an evolution of the Ecobox and Ecobox DP series that the yard already delivered to Symphony in recent years. The original Ecobox design will be lengthened by over 21m, extending the box shaped hold to more than 100m length on the tanktop, and 112m above the movable tweendeck level. The new ships will be 18m wide, improving cargo capacity further. Fuel consumption will be reduced by integrating a waste heat generator in the propulsion system. This system consists of a 3,300-kW main engine driving a nozzle-controllable pitch propeller running in fully automatic combinator mode. The propulsion system will also be suitable for bio blend fuels.
The new ships now ordered are planned for delivery at the end of 2022/early 2023.
