ABS Performs Technical

Performance Evaluations
for Neo Feeder Container
Carrier Concept

1 ABS Leads Industry in Addressing Jackup Safety Through Targeted R&D

ABS Performs Technical Performance

Evaluations for Neo Feeder Container
Carrier Concept
As shipowners and operators deal with a rapidly challenging marketplace, the need for improved safety,
reliability, efficiency, and environmental stewardship is paramount to long-term sustainability.
Changing environmental regulations, unpredictable energy prices and volatile freight rates have made it
imperative for ship designers to continuously improve operational and environmental performance of
next-generation designs.
ABS, a leading provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industry, has been
instrumental in working to address changing demands and is partnering with industry to tackle these
challenges.

ABS, SDARI Join Forces

In December 2015, ABS signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with Shanghai Merchant Ship
Design & Research Institute (SDARI) to assist in evaluating the technical options used in developing a new
generation of feeder container carriers.
The objective of this project is to develop the next-generation feeder design with a focus on operational
efficiency, environmental stewardship and maximum flexibility. SDARI sought to bring together innovative
design and technology solutions with a novel concept that incorporates technology-readiness features.
Its goal is to enable cost-effective implementation of present and future regulations by applying extensive
life-cycle cost analyses.
This innovative feeder container carrier concept will meet future market needs that are being driven by the
increase in ultra-large container carriers and the growth of specific regional markets, for which more feeder
vessels are needed.

2 ABS Performs Technical Performance Evaluations for Neo Feeder Container Carrier Concept

The ABS Operational and Environmental Performance team, a group of professionals with extensive
experience in naval architecture, hydrodynamics, engineering systems and techno-economic performance
evaluations, carried out performance evaluations.

Determining Project Feasibility

In the initial phase of the project, ABS worked with the designer to determine not only the feasibility of
the design but also the market need for feeder container carriers. These analyses established specific
requirements and provided a detailed background justifications that would better inform the potential
owner of the choices made by the designer.
Market and Fleet Analysis
ABS investigated the potential market demand for specific sizes of containerships through extensive analysis
of the World Shipping and Shipbuilding Outlook developed by ABS. More than 2,200 container ships with sizes
ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 TEU were investigated by segment for age profile and features. This was followed
by an extensive review of the global trends of feeder market in terms of trades, sizes, and operational practice.
Big Data - Feeder Trading Patterns Analysis
More than 19 million records of AIS data for more than 2,200 container ships were data mined to understand
the trading patterns and operational profiles of vessels on specific trading routes. Based on the AIS data
analyses, ABS could evaluate the real fleet behavior including the
operating routes, ports of call, the operational profile in terms of
speed and draft distributions, and the time at berth for specific
regional trades.
Operational Profile Definition
One of the applications of this big data analysis using AIS data is
to define the vessels operational profile on which the hull form
optimization work is based. The operational profile is a matrix of
speeds and draughts where the vessel will operate with a percentage
of time attached to each combination of speed and draught. The
AIS analysis revealed specific operational features in terms of speed
and draft distribution that have to be taken into account in the CFD
optimisation process to yield maximum energy efficiency.

ABS Performs Technical Performance Evaluations for Neo Feeder Container Carrier Concept 3

Evaluating Technical Options

Using the information gathered during the project feasibility phase, the designer developed a series
of parameters and concepts for the project. Particular parameters for operational and environmental
performance testing were identified by the designer and provided by ABS to test against its proprietary models
and tools. The results of this performance testing allowed the owner to make informed designed decisions
based on the factors it felt were critical for project success.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Main Dimensions
ABS used a parametric resistance and propulsion model combined with a techno-economic model to evaluate
the required freight rate sensitivity based on the newbuilding cost (CAPEX), and the operational costs (OPEX).
Hydrodynamic Evaluation
Through a hydrodynamic evaluation, ABS was able to help the designer understand how various factors impact
energy efficiency and performance. These options allow the designer to make informed decisions regarding
how certain factors impact these two key areas. For this project, both a conventional and non-conventional hull
form were reviewed and influences on areas such as regulatory compliance, vessel performance and energy
efficiency were presented.
Maximizing Efficiency
A key area of concern for any container ship project is the ability to safely maximize the capacity and stowage
of containers on the vessel. For this project, several sets of parameters were investigated, one of which
addressed moving the accommodation block. Testing revealed that relocating the accommodation block
forward resulted in overall higher cargo stowage efficiency for the vessel.

4 ABS Performs Technical Performance Evaluations for Neo Feeder Container Carrier Concept

Environmental Regulatory Readiness

Many new concepts are incorporating technology-readiness features to enable cost-effective
implementation of present and future regulatory solutions by applying extensive life-cycle cost analyses.
The neo container feeder concept applies the ABS requirements for LNG Ready and SOx Scrubber Ready
designations in anticipation of changing environmental regulations. This decision required evaluating different
arrangements of future LNG tanks and SOx Scrubber installations in order to minimize the impact of cargo
loss and retrofit costs.
Techno-Economic Assessments for Decision Support
Scenario based techno-economic analysis enables an evaluation of the return on investment (ROI) envelope
for various future conditions such as low and high oil price, global sulfur cap date of implementation etc. It
provides decision support to the designer and owner in terms of evaluating the benefits and economics of
a technology ready configuration. Detailed LNG as Fuel and SOx Scrubber Ready configurations life-cycle
techno-economic analyses have been developed for future operating and regulatory scenarios to provide
decision making support.

Lessons Learned and Value Derived for the Designer, Future Owner
ABS was able to provide unique insights and advice that will enhance the safety and environmental
performance of the proposed vessel. A rational performance evaluation of alternative arrangements against
operational, environmental and regulatory compliance parameters enabled the identification of opportunities
for greater performance as well as the evaluation of innovative arrangements.
AIS big data analysis revealed the specific operation profiles for selected trading patterns, enabling SDARI to
optimize the hull form for either a specific regional trade or a more versatile combination of regional trades.
This approach is expected to provide a significant improvement in hull efficiency and fuel consumption
performance compared with vessels optimized for a standard, single design point.
Techno-economic assessment and ready technology configurations provided roadmaps for future-proofing
assets against expected regulations and operational variables such as fuel oil price. These studies also
optimized the new construction cost preparedness as well as providing a roadmap for a cost-effective and
time-efficient retrofit program to upgrade the vessel for reasons of compliance or market competitiveness.

ABS Performs Technical Performance Evaluations for Neo Feeder Container Carrier Concept 5

World Headquarters
16855 Northchase Drive
Houston, TX 77060 USA
Tel: 1-281-877-5800
Fax: 1-281-877-5803
Email: ABS-WorldHQ@eagle.org
www.eagle.org
6 ABS Leads Industry in Addressing Jackup Safety Through Targeted R&D