'Brasil Maru' named ship of the year for 2007

The Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers has selected Mitsui OSK Lines' iron ore carrier ‘Brasil Maru' as the Ship of The Year for 2007.

The selection committee noted that the ‘Brasil Maru' is a pioneering vessel in reducing iron ore transport cost which will have a great effect on steel production. 2008 marks the centennial anniversary of Japanese emigration to Brazil, and the vessel is the third generation to carry the ‘Brasil Maru' name, following two cargo and passenger liners. The new ‘Brasil Maru' is a historical vessel, worthy of the centennial anniversary. Starting with the 320,000DWT ‘Brasil Maru', more than 50 iron ore carriers in the 300,000DWT class have now been ordered around the world. The vessel's design relied on advanced computer simulation to optimize environmental protection and safe operation. It offers high-performance course stability that takes water flow into account, and excellent manoeuvrability. At the same time, its environmental burden per unit load is reduced by making the vessel larger, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent compared to currently Cape-size bulkers. The ‘Brasil Maru' also adopts double-hull fuel tanks, an engine that meets International Marine Organization (IMO) exhaust emission standards, and the energy-saving Mitsui Integrated Propeller Boss (MIPB).

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