Damen Marine Components (DMC) has been contracted to supply rudder systems for four Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), each capable of carrying up to 9,200 CEU (car equivalent units).
The vessels are being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard(Jiangsu) Co., Ltd and China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co, Ltd for their client BYD Auto, China’s largest manufacturer of electric and hybrid vehicles. When launched, the PCTCs will be the largest of their class in the world.
For each PCTC, DMC will be supplying an Atlantic Rudder with Asymmetric Rudder Technology (ART™) and a Silent Bulb. With no moving parts these spade rudders are highly dependable and with a slim profile offer minimal resistance.
Their excellent course-keeping capabilities make them a popular choice for long-distance, ocean-going vessels.
Each rudder is custom-built to take account of the hull shape and the propeller angles of the vessel on which it will be installed.
Optimised in this way, the asymmetric leading edge (ART™) smooths the water flow over the rudder to maximum effect, reducing resistance and cavitation, and fuel consumption.
The customer has also opted to have a DMC Silent Bulb mounted on each rudder. This energy saving device minimises the likelihood of cavitation around the rudder by mitigating the inevitable flow losses caused by the propeller.
This dual approach not only prolongs the rudder’s lifespan but also amplifies the maximum propeller thrust, thanks to the significantly enhanced propeller efficiency.
