Bulk carrier of the type featuring the NSafe®-Hull Fig.1: Portions in red and yellow are built with NSafe®-Hull highly ductile steel Fig.2: NSafe®-Hull sections in red. Images by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines

Bulk Carrier under MOL's Operation is World-First to Adopt Highly Ductile Steel Plate to Ensure Superior Collision Safety

Bulk carrier of the type featuring the NSafe®-Hull

Tokyo - August 14, 2014

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced the world's first use of highly ductile steel plate NSafe®-Hull, developed by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (Representative Director and President: Kosei Shindo; headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) on a merchant vessel. The ship featuring this new safety-enhancing feature, a large-size bulk carrier, was launched on August 2.

The NSafe®-Hull's highly ductile steel absorbs side impact to the hull three times more effectively than conventional steel plate, reducing the risk of cracks in the hull and significantly increasing the safety of the vessel.

Construction of the new bulkship required a total about 3,000 tons of NSafe®-Hull for sections such as the side plates of cargo holds and fuel tanks, where hull strength is especially critical (please refer to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). Improved puncture resistance helps to prevent flooding, protects cargo, and prevents environmental damage from oil leakage.

MOL forges ahead to become the world leader in safe operation, and continually takes a proactive stance in adoption of technologies that contribute to safer, more reliable ocean transport.

Outline of the bulk carrier
Length : 299.94m
Breadth : 50.00m
Draft : 24.70m
Deadweight tonnage : 206,600 MT
Shipyard : Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, Saijo Shipyard
Launched : August 2, 2014

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. press release