The outward shape of Handysize bulk carriers has changed little over the decades, but internally their design has been in constant evolution. An example is the recently completed bulker Arnica. The 56,000dwt handymax ship was completed by the Chiba Works of Japan’s Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co Ltd (MES) for NORDEN Shipping (Singapore) Pte Ltd as the 106th ship of the Mitsui 56 series.
This series, designed in accordance with IACS Common Structural Rules, features five cargo holds with a total capacity of over 70,000m3 served by four cranes. The 31,759gt newbuilding measures 190m by 32.2m and is powered by a MITSUI-MAN B&W 6S50MC-C diesel engine of 9,070kW output giving a service speed of 14.5 knots with very low fuel consumption.
The size of the hatch opening is the largest for this type of vessel in terms of length and width, and each cargo hold has a sufficient length in order to load long pipes. The tank tops of the cargo holds have been strengthened to accommodate heavy cargoes.
