DNV has issued an approval in principle for the design of what it claims would be the world’s largest car carrier.
The 11,000 CEU pure car and truck carrier would be 234 metres long, 40 metres wide and have 14 decks.
China Merchants Jinling Shipyard came up with the so-called Super Large Smart Green 11,000 design.
DNV said the simultaneous storage of vehicles on board could increase efficiency and reduce the cost of transport per vehicle.
It said the design also incorporates a combination of decarbonisation measures which could reduce carbon emissions in line with the “stringent” requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 and NOx Tier III.
The vessel would use LNG as its primary fuel and would be equipped with a 4200-cubic metre LNG storage tank.
Norbert Kray, DNV’s regional manager Greater China, Maritime, said the classification society expects the market for electric vehicles to continue to grow, driving demand for PCTCs.
“Scale, energy efficiency and low carbon fuel are key to reducing emissions from the transport of these vessels,” Mr Kray said.
“As a leading class for car carriers, DNV is honoured to be entrusted with the assessment of this next generation of car carriers and we look forward to working with China Merchants to bring these vessels to the water.”
DNV said the hull line of the vessel has been optimised through numerous CFD calculations and ship model tests with assistance from ship designer Deltamarin.
Additional energy-saving features include a stern flow optimisation device and an air lubrication system, which effectively minimise resistance and reduce the required propulsion power.
The design also integrates hybrid propulsion systems and solar power.
According to China Merchants, the shipyard is already in discussions with potential customers for the 11,000 CEU PCTC.
