Swedish ship designer FKAB reports that chemical tanker ‘Nordstraum’, owned by Utkilen of Bergen, has been retro-fitted with a bulbous bow.
This is considered one of the more unusual projects for FKAB, which says that Utkilen has looked at every possible aspect in making its fleet even more environmentally friendly. The vessel is 13 years old and FKAB, in investigations together with the owner, saw that savings could be made by designing and fitting a new forward hull form. Utkilen has confirmed the result after a period of sailing, testing and measuring in a real-life environment.
Eirik Gjerde, Newbuilding and Innovation Manager, Utkilen, said: “We have just completed the final testing and can confirm a saving of 20% – 2.6t per day reduction of fuel. The vessel received a C on the CII rating in 2024, we expect that to change to an A rating in 2026 and maintaining a B rating until 2030.”
Image: Fitting a new bow section to chemical tanker ‘Nordstraum’ (source: FKAB)
