Nantong Mingde Heavy Industry held, Jan. 11th, the steel-cutting ceremony for the 4th 4.7 million cb ft, Woodchip Carrier with hull number MD148-4.7M CF CC-04.
Main dimension: Total length 199.80m ; moulded breadth 32.20m; moulded depth 16.30m; design draft 11.00m; scantling draft 11.90m; service speed 16.3kn
Compared with normal bulkers, wood chip carriers have deep cargo holds and shallow draft to carry this kind of cargo, which density is lighter than cargo such as grain, coal or iron ore. The peculiarity of wood chips allow enlarged cargo spaces as they do not require topside tanks, because there is minimal risk of cargo flow, compared to cargo such as grain.