Japan’s Oshima Shipyard recently delivered the last in a series of 12 DNV-classed bulk carries. There is more to come. DNV has a higher share of Oshima Shipyard’s order book than any other non-Japanese Class Society.

Oshima Shipyard is the only yard in the world that specialises in bulk carriers. Its order book is full well into 2005. DNVs present share of Oshimas order book is approximately 17.5 percent, the highest share of any non-Japanese classification society. The 13 vessels on order correspond to a total of 421,300 grt.

Last week, Japans Oshima shipyard delivered the M/V Ballerina, a 51,000 dwt bulk carrier to the Torvald Klaveness Group. MV Ballerina is the last of 12 DNV classed bulk carriers (total of 694,000 dwt) delivered to the Klaveness Group by Oshima in less than two years.

Of the 12 vessels in the series, M/V Balder is the most sophisticated. She is geared for discharging bulk cargo from her cargo holds. The capacity is unique: 1,875 m3/hr, which is the highest discharging capacity of any such vessels in the world and twice the capacity of the closest competitor. The system is also computerized. The owners have great expectations for the ship.