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Mira
FIRST TENDER IN NEW M-CLASS
IN APRIL 2020, THE DUTCH MARITIME PILOTS’ ORGANISATION TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE MIRA, THE FIRST TENDER IN A NEW M-CLASS. THE VESSEL FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERS FROM ITS PREDECESSORS. BECAUSE THE MIRA IS APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN TONNES LIGHTER, CONSIDERABLE FUEL SAVINGS ARE ACHIEVED DURING SAILING.
The transport of pilots to and from sea-going vessels using quick ten- ders continues day and night for the Dutch Maritime Pilots’ Organisa- tion. This sets high requirements for the nautical staff and the equip- ment. By means of a long-term fleet plan, Nederlands Loodswezen
BV (Dutch Pilotage Service BV) ensures that all tenders are in optimal condition and that they are always replaced in good time after about twenty years in operation. This is done in phases at a rate of approxi- mately one tender per year. The Mira marks the introduction of the first ship in a new M-class.
FIFTEEN TONNES LIGHTER
In a multi-year process, pilots and staff of Nederlands Loodswezen BV jointly formulated the specifications for the new generation of M-class tenders. The main objective was to reduce the weight. With the new vessel weighing some fifteen tonnes lighter, this aim has well been achieved. Where the last tender from the previous L-class weighs 54 tonnes, this is just 40 tonnes for the new Mira. At comparable speeds, the new tender consequently consumes approximately twenty percent less fuel. In line with this, the emission of CO2 and soot also automati- cally decreases. This ties in seamlessly with the aim of the Dutch Mari- time Pilots’ Organisation to operate in a socially responsible manner.
EVERY KILO EVALUATED
Every kilogramme on board of the Mira was subjected to careful eva- luation to determine whether it was truly essential. Substantial weight savings have consequently been achieved throughout the entire ship. The installation of lighter MAN engines significantly contributed to this, without making any concessions in terms of power. This consequent-
ly made it possible to also install a lighter type of waterjet and drive
shaft. Further weight reductions were achieved through, for example, the choice of lithium batteries, the use of prefab plating, lighter fen- ders and the use of new insulation material. Furthermore, ship designer Camarc developed a modified bow shape that allows for higher speeds with reduced fuel consumption.
ATTENTION TO COMFORT
The substantial focus on weight reduction did mean though that se- parate action was required to maintain the level of comfort aboard the new tender. A simple rule of thumb teaches that more weight means more stability and thus more comfort. To compensate for this stabili- ty aboard the lighter Mira, weight has particularly been saved above the centre of gravity of the ship. For that reason, the Mira has been fitted with a lighter wheelhouse. Furthermore, the comfort on board has been improved through more straightforward measures, such as a more sophisticated ventilation system, the use of insulating glass and the installation of seats with air suspension.
FIRST HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES
Following the delivery of the tender in April 2020 by Next Generation Shipyards from the north of the Netherlands, the corona crisis threw a spanner in the works regarding the rapid deployment of the Mira in the daily operations. Temporarily, there were no possibilities to train crews to operate this ship, which has substantially different sailing characte- ristics. Since September 2020, the Mira has however been in actual ser- vice in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region. From December 2020 and in the first months of 2021, the other pilotage regions can also acquaint themselves with the new tender.
The first hands-on experiences show that the stability - and with that the comfort - of the lighter ship still requires further improvement, de- spite all the attention this has already received. Together with the ship designer of the Mira and the shipyard, Loodswezen is studying how this can be achieved in a manner that brings together performance, sustainability and comfort as optimally as possible.
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