Looks relatively maintenance free, but perhaps a little claustrophobic for those who like a deck with a view. All great photos.

Imabari shipbuilding published re. design of the accommodation block as follows:
"The Aero-Citadel is a superstructure with slimly streamlined shape which combines ship's accommodation, engine room , and funnel casing.
Wind pressure during navigation will be reduced by 25-30% (as the result of the wind tunnel testing). In case of Cape size bulk carrier, it will enable a decrease of about 2% in fuel consumption.(*) New marine use LED lighting is also introduced to the accommodation and engine room lighting system, which reduces electric power consumption used for lighting by about 50%.
(* at normal output, about 9m/sec.(Beaufort 5) head wind)

The slim, streamlined shape makes it easy to turn the bow of the ship toward windward during anchorage, and decrease the risk of anchor dragging.
All stairs are placed inside the superstructure as an anti-piracy measure, the entrance on lower level deck has thicker, reinforced steel doors. The accommodation windows are bulletproof, and water cannons are placed on the upper deck to prevent pirates entry into the accommodation.
There is a citadel facility which is refuge area in the superstructure that can accommodate all crewmembers for several days, protected by double-layer security doors. The facility is also equipped with communication devices usable even in case of blackout, ship maneuvering equipments such as stop main engine and steering gear, and is able to gather information of the ship’s data, including video picture and sound.
The accommodation design also includes features in accordance with the SOLAS MLC2006 requirements which will come into effect in near future, such as strengthened noise insulation and vibration counter measure. Improved living conditions for crewmembers are provided and the wheelhouse has widened backward view for safer navigation.
Imabari Shipbuilding proposes the next generation superstructure Aero-Citadel to be applied for possible type of vessel, paying special attention to energy efficiency and environment issue, and pursuing reinforced anti-piracy , improvement of safety and living condition of crew members."
Regards Peter

Pieter: Thanks for the link to BORGSTEN....That WAS an eyeopener!
Not seen that before, but I see what you mean. Extreme in the extreme!
Cheers,Steve.

Delivered 2/12-2014 - not 2012

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2043207

one example of the Olsen superstructure

The BORGSTEN from 1964, was even more extreme

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=380896

Thanks for the info Pieter.....Another bonus indeed!
An example of the Fred Olsen tower bridge you mentioned?

Very very good picture.
Tomas

I reread the article on the Imabari bridge construction, and there is also another distinctive aim for this bridge, it is supposed to be pirate unfriendly....

The widening of the Panama Canal will be completed soon anyway.
(I note a previous photo,has it in the Panamax Bulker category.)
I quite like that superstructure,(see the other photo taken at Hays Point, Australia.) I hope the wind resistance idea is successful.
Thanks for posting.

Thanks rd, just noted that the RAGA is again 3 metres wider than this one.
But perhaps the should reconsider the type of tower bridges that Fred Olsen used on their tankers during the sixties...

This is the new "Aero Citadel" bridge design by Imabari, aimed at reducing wind resistance:

http://www.marinelink.com/news/carrier-imabari-offers362573.aspx

" ... sort of superstructure you would expect to see on a capesize"

I very much agree with you Pieter and thanks !
Regards (J)

Hi Jadran, I only looked at her tonnage and assumed it was a panamax, this one is slightly wider, not ununsual for Japanese coal carriers. But still, it is the sort of superstructure you would expect to see on a capesize.

Hi pieter,, usually the Panamax bulkers are of beam 32 m,, I don't know now,, this one is of beam 35 m .........


: very nice shot of an interesting/special looking bulker, elbwasser !

Regards (J)

Nice shot, and quite an unusual superstructure for a Panamx bulker.