On August 21, I-S Shipbuilding – a subsidiary of Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding – completed and delivered the new ro-ro cargo vessel “JFE Hekiryu”.
The “JFE Hekiryu” measures 115 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 9.25 meters in depth. With a cargo capacity of 3,676 tons and a gross tonnage of 5,894, it is equipped with a 6S35ME-C9.7 main engine and achieves a speed of approximately 15.0 knots. Classed by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK), the vessel flies the Japanese flag.
The vessel operates domestically in Japan and is capable of carrying 33 steel coil pallets, each with a load capacity of approximately 100 tons. It features automatic loading/unloading and ballast operation functions, is equipped with a vector twin-rudder system for excellent maneuverability, and is fitted with a bow thruster. Combined with the vector twin-rudder system, the bow thruster enables berthing and unberthing operations without the need for tugboats.
To meet air pollution control requirements, the “JFE Hekiryu” is equipped with an electronically controlled main engine compliant with NOx Tier 2 emission standards and carries an environmental protection inventory in accordance with the Ship Recycling Convention.
By installing energy-saving attachments near the propeller, adopting high-efficiency propellers, applying hull coatings that reduce seawater friction, and implementing stern tube seawater lubrication systems with perfluoropolyether (FF) bearings, propulsion performance and environmental performance will be significantly enhanced.
In addition, the vessel’s engine room is equipped with a Class A heavy fuel oil (HFO)-dedicated combustion system and a central cooling system, which will effectively reduce the operational burden.