Containerships - some numbers to keep in mind

[Mirelle]

Here are some numbers from the pilot information card of an absolutely typical large modern containership:

Full ahead sea speed : (82 rpm) 24.7 knots
Manoevring full ahead : (38rpm) 11.9 knots
,, half ahead : (34rpm) 10.6 knots
,, slow ahead : (30rpm) 9.4 knots
,, dead slow ahead : (25 rpm) 7.8 knots

(this is a 10 cylinder, 900 mm bore, 58,600 hp, crosshead, two stroke, direct coupled, diesel driving a single, solid, screw - slower than that we don't go!)

LOA 267 metres, beam 40 metres. The bridge front is 211 metres aft of the bow.

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[Kristal]

I don't suppose you could get similar information for the HSS Discovery, could you? That bugger always seems to wait for me to clear harbour before breaking away...

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.crystaltwo.co.uk/>Crystal II in Pictures</A>

 

[Mirelle]

Sorry, you would have to ask Stena Line for that one!

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[MainlySteam]

Mirelle

Thanks for that. Very useful, while I knew the situation in general terms I had not seen specific figures before.

Would it be possible to also have some idea of the typical advance and transfer characteristics or turning radius for such vessels at various speeds?

John

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Gunfleet]

Did you notice the chap on 'Dunkirk' who hooted down the pipe 'One degree to starboard'. Ah yes, standards have slipped since the 1940s. Twenty seconds a' larboard, helmsman, steady as she goes.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jtwebb]

You forgot to say how many were looking where they were going!

<hr width=100% size=1>J Webb

 

[Mirelle]

Yes. I just happened to have the pilot card for the class on my desk; the turning circle data is on the bridge bulkhead where it should be* and I'll make a note of it when next on board one of the class - probably Sunday - and will post it thereafter.

* well, OK, it's somewhere in the filing system as well, but it would take an hour to find it!

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[Mirelle]

Yes, my 9 year old son, who had special permission to stay up for the programme, was particularly unimpressed by that!

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[qsiv]

I seem to remember being taught (somewhat tongue in cheek) at University that the helm went on 5 minutes before the turn was wanted, for every 100 metres of ship. The other comment was 'dont forget - the rudder steers the stern around the bow, not the other way round'.

As part of the coursework I recall a visit to Southampton Institute, and exploring the INSIDE of a slow speed cylinder. Brought home just how big the things we were glibly specifying for our designs actually were!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[alec]

Intersting to know that they are 2 strokes.

Are they based on the Ariel Arrow engine ?

Regards,

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sans Bateau]

No, not Ariel Arrow engines, I think you will find they are based on the Wartberg Knight 3 cyl 'stroker!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Heckler]

same principle, fires every stroke
stu

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

 

[Guest]

Food ....

440,000 tons
1320 ft long
72ft draft
Unable to pass English Channel fully loaded - lighters off before proceeding to Europort etc.

So what ?

Can you please pass me the point in quoting ship particulars ?

As far as I am concerned as ex Seafarer - the above was my last vessel at sea ..... S.T Chevron South America - I say keep away and safe ....... they don't see you as you do them, its easier for you to steer away .........

Oh yes ... finally the above vessel did 16 knts at flat out, 15 knts contract ........... so what turning / stopping is on that - forget a Container ship that turns on the proverbial sixpence in comparison !!!!! (I was on then as well ) Note that Mirelle did NOT quote the Bay Class Container vessels ..... just a bit bigger than what Mirelle quoted ! (Designed as stand-in Aircraft Carriers ......)

End it - its embarrassing .....


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.qqbaltic.com/index.html>http://www.qqbaltic.com/index.html</A> For all those disbelievers ! /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

 

[drawp]

Re: Food ....

Nigel. As a small boat sailor, I find it interesting to learn about these big ships which are way outside my experience. It increases my already healthy respect (fear?) of them. Share your experiences with us. It is educational.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Mirelle]

Not trying to be an anorak

Which "Bay class"? All OCL ships were named "- Bay", but even the so-called "Big Bays", designed by Marshall Meek for the Far East trade, more than thirty years ago, were around 3,200 TEU. The ship I described at the outset is 5,250 TEU, built two years ago; she's one of 13, 5 on the Pacific and 8 on the Europe/Asia route. I quoted the pilot card to show the speeds.

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[tome]

Re: Not trying to be an anorak

And very interesting your post was to an amateur sailor and ex-pro seafarer. Look forward to your ROT post when you get a chance. The TEU clarification helps also.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Not trying to be an anorak

..and everyone except Nigel seemed to appreciate it. I certainly did.

<hr width=100% size=1>Utinam logica falsa tuam philisophiam totam suffodiant