The vessels will be equipped with new energy efficient propeller blades, rudder-bulb and will undergo technical upgrades of the main engine, turbochargers and shaft generators.
These combined upgrades will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20%, the company claimed.
Once retrofitted, the vessels will be among the most energy efficient chemical tankers in the world, and will achieve the highest score on the Rightship energy rating, A+.
The initial model tests, which were carried out at Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (Marintek), indicated a reduction in fuel consumption of about 15% for the series of 11 ‘Kvaerner’ class 37,000 dwt vessels.
Sea trials before and after the upgrade show an overall efficiency gain of more than 20%. With such excellent results, Odfjell will also upgrade an additional eight 40,000 dwt vessels (‘Poland’ class).
The concept was developed by Odfjell, in close co-operation with MAN Diesel & Turbo, but also Grenaa Motorfabrik and ABB Turbocharging. The upgrade includes the fitting of Kappel propeller blades, fairing cone and rudder bulb, shaft generator gearbox and Odfjell determined settings.
Dr Kourosh Koushan, Marintek research manager, said: “We are involved in many projects related to energy saving and the reduction of emissions. Odfjell is one of our clients showing great technological interest and willingness to apply energy saving measures to reduce emissions.
“In this particular project, we documented an energy saving in excess of 15% for the ‘Kvaerner’ class, which is high compared to many other vessels tested. In the second project for Odfjell, we documented a saving of approximately 20% for the ‘Poland’ class, which is exceptional,” he explained.
“The full scale sea trial for our 37,000 dwt vessel concluded with a 20% reduction. This is even better than the model test results and is as such highly satisfactory,” said Helge Olsen, senior vice president, Odfjell Ship Management.
‘Bow Clipper’ (37,000 dwt) was the first vessel to be upgraded last August, undertaken during scheduled drydocking. The remaining 18 vessels are planned to be upgraded within 2017.
“This investment in vessel efficiency demonstrates Odfjell's leadership in environmental sustainability. It is also a smart move from a business perspective positioning Odfjell advantageously in the market,” said Warwick Norman, RightShip CEO.
“This project shows Odfjell at its finest; it is a result of a true team effort, and demonstrate the deep knowhow of our organisation,” said Kristian Mørch, CEO Odfjell.
Odfjell has also promoted senior vice president Harald Fotland to become Head of Odfjell Tankers.
For the past 18 months, Fotland has been responsible for Odfjell’s cost-cutting and efficiency programme.
In addition, vice president Arild Viste becomes global head of tanker trading in Odfjell Tankers. He was previously vice president for commercial development.