Improved collision safety contributing to safer and securer voyages
Imabari Shipbuilding has decided to adopt both the Aero-Citadel (a newly designed superstructure, developed by Imabari) and the NSafe-Hull, a highly ductile steel plate for shipbuilding with improved collision safety, developed by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation in a 206,600 metric tons deadweight bulk carrier, due to be launched in October 2015.
The provision of anti-piracy safety and improved living condition for crew members, as well as the adoption of the plate, that has improved collision safety, will contribute to safer and securer voyages.
The Aero-Citadel was first used in the 95,000 M.T.D/W bulk carrier, which was launched in June 2013 and received the “Ship of the Year Award 2013” in 2014.
All staircases, which typically are placed outside the living quarter, are placed inside the superstructure as an anti-piracy measure, and various accommodations are enhanced to help realize a safer and more pleasant journey for crew members. The slim-streamlined shape of the superstructure reduces wind pressure during navigation.
The NSafe&trade-Hull has excellent ductility, while maintaining the workability (e.g., machinability and weldability) of conventional steel, which substantially improves a ship’s collision safety.
If a ship is made of NSafe-Hull, due to superior ductility of the material, the energy absorbed before breaking of the hull could be roughly triple that of a ship made of conventional steel, in the case of a lateral collision. Together with the National Maritime Research Institute, NSSMC has already conducted collision simulations and confirmed high safety performance. The material will help prevent water leakage and oil leakage, which could result in serious environmental pollution, as well as protect cargo. On the new ship, approximately 2,000 tons of NSafe-Hull, in total, will be used for structural parts where high collision safety performance is required, such as the side plates of cargo holds and fuel tanks.
With the aim of further contributing to realize safer, securer marine transportation in the world, Imabari and NSSMC will continue working for technological development.
Source and Image Credit: Imabari Shipbuilding