Dykstra to Create Innovative Multi-Purpose Cargo Vessel

The Ecoliner to use sail propulsion for reduced fuel consumption

Dykstra Naval Architects (Dykstra) are currently designing a newdurable alternative for present day cargo ships, the Ecoliner. Sail propulsion is used to reduce fuel consumption and thereby cost and emissions. The ship is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system: in addition to sails, a propeller is also installed.

By motorsailing, the ship is able to keep a schedule while the rig is used in the most efficient way. The Ecoliner is a multipurpose cargo ship with the ability to load and unload cargo by herself since the masts can also be used as cranes.Operating in the North Atlantic, the Ecoliner will make use of the trade winds.

The aim of Dykstra Naval Architects is to create a technical foundation for design and operation of sailing cargo ships. The hull must be able to carry cargos while providing good sailing properties The rig is designed to be durable and can propel the ship in many conditions. To guarantee optimal use of the sails, a weather routing program is created that can optimize the route and engine use.

Weather routing is also used to evaluate the performance of the ship in routing simulations by using an archive with several years of weather data. This enables accurate prediction of the ship long term fuel consumption, enabling comparison to current motor ships. A generic base of knowledge and tools is created to be able to design ‘green’ alternatives for all cargo ship types.

The Ecoliner is intended to compete with the current cargo fleet by offering lower total costs due to fuel savings and a way of transportation that is friendly to the environment. Dykstra Naval Architects claim that the Ecoliner can set an example in shipping by showing that wind propulsion is a viable option.

Image Source: Dykstra Naval Achitects