The container feeder vessel market has improved greatly since the autumn of 2020. Scarcity dominates the market and, moreover, the available capacity is claimed for longer than ever before: charter contracts with a term of three years are no exception. At the same time, both scheduled container service operators and new players in the container transport sector are reviewing options for increasing capacity. The urgency of sustainability improvements in new-build orders is clear. JR Shipping Group is also focusing on the expansion of its container feeder fleet and on cleaner and more energy-efficient operations of the fleet.
JR Shipping Group’s ambition to make an active contribution to improvements to the sustainability of the shipping industry concentrates on existing and new-build vessels. The fleet of 15 container feeder vessels in the 750 to 1440 TEU capacity classes managed by the shipping group is being examined to identify options for reducing CO2 emissions by installing innovative exhaust gas-filter technologies including Carbon Capture.
Cleaner operation of the feeder vessel Endeavor II in 2022
Endeavor II is a good example. In the spring of 2022, this 750 TEU feeder will be equipped with a scrubber, an innovative filter system developed by Rotterdam’s Value Marine. This Filtree System captures sulphur, ultra-fine particulates and CO2 from exhaust gases and makes storage and recycling feasible. Fitting this system will enable Endeavor II to continue to operate with the more economical high-sulphur fuel that offers charterers a cost advantage. JR Shipping Group is working closely with Value Marine on this development. More feeder vessels will follow this example.
ECO Feeder design advances the standard
JR Shipping Group explained that ‘We are at the dawn of a new area’ on the recent announcement of the group’s new-build ambitions. The basis was laid at the end of 2019. Although priorities had to be shifted following the Covid-19 outbreak it was, nevertheless, possible to take the next steps in 2021. 2022 is the year of action. A blueprint is ready for a new generation of feeder vessels which the market will come to know as ECO Feeders. The design programme provides for container feeders with capacities from 500 to 1,100 TEU together with Baltic Max ECO Feeders from 1,600 to 2,100 TEU that can navigate the Kiel Canal.
The fully detailed concept for the next-generation feeder vessels is the result of the cooperation between JR Shipping Group, of which Confeeder Shipping & Chartering is a member, and the TECHNOLOG ship design-specialist (Hamburg). The new design concept combines a high and varied level of performance with a 40 to 50% reduction of fuel consumption as compared to conventional feeder vessels in corresponding capacity and speed classes. CO2 emissions are also substantially lower.
The broad, future-proof ECO Feeder programme offers charterers the flexibility they need to quickly switch to new fuels that contribute to more sustainable container feeder shipping. All vessels are equipped with innovative filter and CO2 capture systems and are ready for the rapid transformation of their operations by switching to clean, low emission and even emission-free fuels such as green methanol and synthetic LNG.
Shipping as a crucial driver for economic growth and further sustainability improvements in the global distribution chain
Sustainability improvements to the existing container feeder vessels, together with the realisation of new vessels based on ECO Feeder concept in close consultation with market partners, offer JR Shipping Group real opportunities for continuing to make the difference in the container feeder shipping market. The shipping group is also examining existing and innovative financial & investment models and cooperative arrangements that can further these developments.
The shipping group continues to invest in the renewal of the fleet and in partnerships that support the offshore energy industry.
JR Shipping Group, the specialist in short sea shipping with a focus on container feeder vessels and the offshore energy industry, continues to make an important contribution to challenging and dynamic shipping developments that are crucial to economic growth and to further sustainability improvements to the global distribution chain and energy supplies.
SeaZip Offshore Service doubles passenger capacity crew transfer vessels
As of March-April, 2022, SeaZip crew transfer vessels can accommodate 24 passengers. The conversion from 12 PAX to 24 PAX will take place during the winter break, in combination with regular maintenance. The management of SeaZip Offshore Service also announces that the renewed 24 PAX vessels will still sail under the Dutch flag, which is an advantage when deployed in EU projects.
More capacity and efficiency, less costs, les carbon
The operation provides the offshore energy industry with more space and flexibility with considerably lower transport costs. Moreover, the total carbon emissions decrease because more passengers can be transported with one vessel only.
The capacity will be doubled by expanding the passenger compartment. The comfort provided remains optimal and the generous layout of the passenger facilities makes it possible to comply with any social distancing rules for as long as the pandemic is ongoing.
Read more about the 24 PAX refit of our 4 SeaZip crew transfer vessels
