Nb. 445 ‘Snow Crystal’ launched at the Westerbroek yard of Ferus Smit
On Saturday the 21st of October, Nb. 445 was successfully launched at the Westerbroek yard of Ferus Smit, the company said in its press release.
Nb. 445, named as ‘Snow Crystal’ is the first ship in a series of two from a new design that was developed for Erik Thun AB from Lidkoping, Sweden. It is planned to replace the ‘Snowstar’ and ‘Icestar’, ships that were built approximately 20 years ago for the same owner.
Nb. 446 will follow hereafter as a full sistership, although she will be lengthened by 15.6 mtr.
Nb. 445 and Nb. 446 are mini bulkers with iceclass 1A and 2 cargo holds. Their design is dedicated to some specific trades in the Baltic region. The breadth of the ships is limited to 13.35mtr, to be able to fit into the locks of the Trollhattan Canal, which will only be applicable for the shorter built.
The ships are characterized by their extremely high deadweight of 5680 / 6550 tons. The propulsion installation consists of a 1950 kW Wartsila main engine running on MDO fuel, and driving a nozzled CP propeller. The accommodation will be suited for a crew of 8 persons.
