On May 16, the 19,000 TEU ultra-large container vessel MSC Oscar completed the retrofit of a bow windshield energy-saving system at Xibailian Island and set sail. This marks Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard’s (Xinya Shipyard) first application of windshield technology on an ultra-large container vessel, signifying another significant step forward in the field of green energy conservation.
The container vessel MSC Oscar measures 395.5 meters in length and 59 meters in width, with a cargo capacity of 19,000 TEU. The newly installed windshield system, spanning 49.5 meters in length, 25.7 meters in width, and 17.5 meters in height, weighs approximately 242 tons. Positioned at the front section of the F’cle deck, its primary function is to optimize the vessel’s streamlined profile by redirecting airflow to reduce wind resistance during navigation, thereby lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
According to calculations, the system is expected to reduce this vessel’s annual fuel consumption by 2% to 4% at a speed of 20 knots, which is equivalent to an annual reduction of approximately 6,340 to 12,680 tons of CO2 emissions. The successful implementation of this project underscores the shipyard’s active response to China’s “Dual Carbon” goals and aligns with the global shipping industry’s trend toward emission reduction.
This first windshield retrofit project encompassed multiple stages including block prefabrication, assembly integration, hull plate painting, hoisting alignment, and welding inspection procedures. Throughout the construction process, the ship’s repair management team and technical personnel confronted various challenges, all of which were effectively resolved. For instance, to precisely control the curvature and minimize deformation of the windshield plates, a specially designed curved supporting frame was fabricated based on the hull’s contour. Additional fine-tuning was conducted post-prefabrication to ensure millimeter-perfect alignment during final assembly. Through coordinated efforts across departments, the positioning and installation of the windshield were successfully completed within less than 4 hours using a 1200-ton floating crane.
This windshield retrofit project marks the shipyard’s first venture into the field of bow windshield energy-saving system. By overcoming a series of technical challenges, Xinya Shipyard has developed a comprehensive retrofit model that provides replicable experience for subsequent similar projects. This achievement also lays a solid foundation to secure more high-end green retrofit orders in the future.