Recently, the 154,000-ton shuttle tanker “HEDDA KNUTSEN,” built by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Zhoushan) for Norway’s KNOT, was awarded the title of “Best Ship of June 2025” by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) due to its green innovative design, low-carbon energy efficiency, and environmental advantages. This recognition not only highlights the vessel’s outstanding performance but also showcases the strong capabilities of China’s shipbuilding industry in the field of high-end green vessel construction.
The “HEDDA KNUTSEN,” delivered in October last year, is a green, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly vessel independently developed, designed, and built by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry. It boasts full intellectual property rights, with all technical performance indicators meeting international advanced standards. The vessel measures 278.9 meters in length, 47 meters in beam, and 24.9 meters in depth, with a designed draft of 16 meters, and is classified by DNV.
This high-end vessel integrates green, eco-friendly, and energy-saving features, equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning control system and a bow loading system, enabling cargo oil operations in various complex and harsh sea conditions. Its Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) complies with Phase II requirements, and it meets Tier III emission standards, with all technical performance indicators reaching international advanced levels.
In terms of technological innovation and energy efficiency, the vessel adopts a medium-voltage closed busbar and variable-frequency drive propulsion system, intelligently adjusting power output to reduce generator runtime and achieve energy savings. Additionally, it is equipped with a KVOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) recovery system, minimizing VOC emissions during loading and transportation to reduce environmental impact.
During construction, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Zhoushan) focused on crafting a flagship product, leveraging its strengths to enhance competitiveness. The project team meticulously planned, strengthened lean management, and collaborated closely with the shipowner and inspection teams to optimize production design and construction processes. Notably, the vessel completed sea trials in just 88 days at the dock and became the first to utilize the AGS (Advanced Generator Monitoring System), significantly improving the safety and stability of the power grid. The improved construction efficiency and quality earned high praise from the shipowner and inspectors.
It is worth mentioning that the “HEDDA KNUTSEN” is the sixth vessel in this series built by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Zhoushan) for KNOT. Its five sister ships have already earned high acclaim from the shipowner for their excellent operational performance.
The “HEDDA KNUTSEN” being honored as DNV’s “Best Ship of the Month” not only affirms its outstanding achievements in green technology and innovation but also underscores COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Zhoushan)’s core competitiveness in high-end shipbuilding, further enhancing the positive image of China’s shipbuilding industry in the global market.
