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The 300th “TESS” HANDYMAX series has been completed. Versatile and energy efficient, a best seller for over 25 years.

January 6, 2012

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Hereinafter called Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Company, CEO: Takao Kawamoto) completed the 300th ship of its original brand,“TESS (Tsuneishi Economical Standard ship) HANDYMAX series *1. The ship will set out on its first voyage on January 6th.
Following the completion of the first ship in this series in 1984, 100 ships were built by 1999. And this 300th ship is the latest model of the TESS HANDYMAX series, “TESS58 (bulk carrier with 58,000 ton loading capacity).

The TESS HANDYMAX series was developed for the international market in the early 1980’s. Guiding principles included increasing loading capacity by widening the hull while maintaining a compact size, and reducing operation costs by improved fuel efficiency. The ships achieved high operational profitability and were also highly versatile, with specifications allowing various cargo types such as steel*2 as well as bulk cargo. In 1984, the first ship in the series was completed, a bulk carrier with 40,000 ton loading capacity (TESS40). Its success was followed by the first bulk carrier with 45,000 ton loading capacity (TESS45) in 1994, the first bulk carrier with 52,000 ton loading capacity (TESS52) in 2000 and, in 2006, the first bulk carrier with 58,000 ton capacity (TESS58). We have been continually advancing the series by widening the hulls and improving fuel consumption so that we can satisfy our clients’ needs for better economic efficiency.

Our latest model, TESS58 introduces new environmental technologies including “SEAWORTHY”*3 and “MT-FAST”*4 which were developed by university and shipping company for enhanced fuel consumption. Currently, we’re working toward further improvements, with the goal of decreased environmental impacts, including a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions*5.

※1 Bulk carrier with loading capacity from 40,000 tons to below 60,000 tons. For international shipping, this comparatively small size is useful. At many ports across the world, even where ports have insufficient loading/unloading facility, this model can operate because the ship is usually equipped with a deck crane.
※2 Materials used for mainly building plants and cars. For instance, longer pipes and hot coils.
※3 Cooperating with Hiroshima University, a new bow shape was developed so that wave resistance at the bow is reduced even in rough seas. About 5 % at maximum of sea margin (increased resistance in rough ocean) can be reduced when cargo is loaded .
※4 A multiple wing-shaped structure which is attached to the front of propellers. By directing the water current, drive efficiency has been improved by about 4%. This technology has been developed, cooperating with MTI Corporation which is a group company of NYK line.

TESS98

Major Characteristics of the 300th ship of TESS HANDYMAX series, “SANDRA”

Type: Deadweight: 58,100 metric tons (mt) bulk carrier
Name: SANDRA
Length×Breadth×Depth: About 190 m x 32.26 m x 18 m
Deadweight: 58,110 mt
Gross tonnage: 32,305 tons
Main engine: Mitsui MAN B&W Diesel 6S50MC-C(Mark7)
Horse power: Consecutive max. output 8,400 kw x 113 revolution/min.
Service speed: 14.5 knots
Factory of building: 常石集団(舟山)造船有限公司(中国のグループ会社)