The design, which could turn into reality in 2030-2035, features self-sufficient compartments for carrying different types of bulk goods, as well as solutions to make the ship zero-carbon, including telescopic wing sails and a shark skin hull.
In addition, wind turbines and solar panels will generate the electricity needed for internal systems of Stena Infinity's modular cargo units.
The modules have also been designed to be able to be dropped off outside of ports and picked up by tugs, avoiding congestion and reducing call times. "In effect, the InfinityMAX drives improved world fleet utilisation and the potential for more standardised supply chains, as well as reduces the unnecessary environmental impact of empty tanks being shipped around the world in search of new cargo," Stena Bulk underlined.
Although the vessels will be crewed, Stena Bulk has designed Stena Infinity to be semi-autonomous in order to shift the role of the on-board crew away from hard labour to monitoring and interaction with operators ashore.
"By 2050, the growing need for transportation of energy from areas with abundant renewable supply to areas with large energy demand - carried as hydrogen, methanol, methane, and ammonia - will be a defining part of international trade. This, combined with the requirement to transport sustainable, edible oils and chemicals, and carbon dioxide from carbon capture facilities, as well as bulk commodities, requires a vessel design that is up to the challenge of a radically reformed global economy," the company anticipates in a press release.
To this Erik Hånell, President & CEO, Stena Bulk, added, "We are extremely proud to unveil our InfinityMAX concept vessel design, which we believe pushes the boundaries for the future of our industry. What we are proposing here is innovative, provocative and would radically reshape the way we think about bulk trade, rationalising two segments with complimentary expertise into one shipping segment that is ready for the challenges of the future."
He furthered, "The application of advanced technologies - including hydrogen fuel and other efficiency measures - means that this is a vessel concept that proves our core philosophy that innovation is key to commercial success, given the challenges that we all face. We will continue to work closely with our innovation partners, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the right advances happen to make the InfinityMAX concept into a reality."
Photo: Stena Bulk