Natori

Reminiscent of futuristic looking ships of the mid-20th Century, Japan's Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation has been building ships that may one day grace all the oceans of the world. Slightly odd at first sight, they soon resolve into purposeful yet elegant looks that could redefine how we perceive ship design. One of the ships they have built, the NATORI recently achieved two awards, at the 17th Environment Awards and Ship of the Year awards in Japan. Imoto Lines, Ltd., owner of the container ship "Natori", won the "Award for Development of Technology that Reduces the Environmental Impact for Logistic Operations" at the 17th Logistics Environment Awards, organized by Japan Association for Logistics and Transport (JALoT). Natori is the world's first container carrier equipped with Kyokuyo's globally patented "SSS-bow (Semi-Spherically-Shaped-bow)" that was delivered last December to the shipowner. She is also the biggest coastal container feeder in Japan with a loading capacity of 540 TEU. http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10820.html

Japanese domestic container operator Imoto Lines has taken delivery of a vessel with an innovative design developed in collaboration with and constructed by Japanese shipbuilder Kyokuyo Shipyard Corp. The 540 teu capacity Natori features a distinctive semi-spherical shaped bow with an integrated bridge. It was designed for optimal efficiency with increased capacity to meet the needs of feeder and domestic container services in Japan. The vessel is 136.25m long with a beam of 21m. According to Kyokuyo the bow design will save 5 per cent fuel consumption under average sea conditions by reducing wind pressure by 30 per cent compared with conventional hull shapes. The bridge and accommodation area are integrated into the forepart to ensure better visibility and crew comfort, by minimising the impact of noise and vibration from the machinery. The design also helps maximise the container loading efficiency. The vessel features a high efficiency propeller, fuel saving paint, and a fuel oil piping system that prevents oil spills when bunkering. Source and picture: http://www.containerst.com/news/view,innovative-japanese-ship-delivered_41255.htm