Knud E. Hansen A/S wins prestigious Shippax Award

At the 12th annual Ferry Shipping Conference, Danish naval architects, Knud E. Hansen A/S, were awarded the 2013 ShipPax Award. The award was presented in recognition of the efficient and innovative design of internal cargo arrangement of the Saudi-owned deep-sea Ro-Ro vessel, Bahri Abha.

Christian Damsgaard, senior naval architect at Knud E. Hansen A/S said, “For a RoRo cargo vessel, the most important design criteria after fuel consumption, is efficient layout as it reduces the time in port. An efficient layout also increases the flexibility during loading and unloading and reduces damages to the cargo.”

The Bahri Abha is a large capacity Ro-Ro vessel that is optimised for fast and flexible loading and unloading procedures. Mr Damsgaard informs “Although the vessel has some container capacity, she is specialised in handling all types of cargo. Loading flexibility is therefore important.”  The broad range of cargo that the vessel can handle demonstrates this flexibility. Mr Damsgaard continues, “The Bahri Abra can carry all types and sizes of goods, from project and heavy-lift cargo to oil exploration equipment and construction machinery.” The vessel is fully independent with regards to maneuvering and loading and unloading procedures, doing away with the need for shore cranes or harbour assisting tugs.

What sets this vessel apart from the rest of the Bahri fleet is that she is smaller yet boasts greater cargo lifting capabilities. At present, for its Saudi Arabian owner, the Bahri Abha and 5 sister vessels operate a route from Saudi Arabia to the American Eastern seaboard and back again followed by a return trip to India. The lightweight 225m Bahri Abha consumes an estimated 45% less fuel on this route than the ships they replace, thereby delivering considerable cost savings.

Knud E. Hansen A/S provided the concept and tender design and also supported the owner throughout the construction process. Finn Wollesen Petersen, managing director, said, “This was a true tailor-made solution meeting the owner’s requirements. We are extremely happy to have won this award. I am very proud of the whole team.”

For more information please visit Knud E. Hansen A/S