Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi said April 30 it has received orders to build a number of 38,300dwt bulkers.

The vessels, to be built based on Tsuneishi's newly developed TESS38 design, would be constructed at the shipbuilder's Cebu yard.

Tsuneishi, led by Kenji Kawano, said that it is the first order of the TESS38 design.

The shipbuilder began working on the TESS38 design in November 2014.

The design was based on the existing TESS35, but with its length extended by 3  to 180m. This was to increase deadweight by 3,000 tonnes and thereby enhance transport efficiency.

Based on a proprietary research into how existing ships plowing major shipping routes in the Pacific (including Asia) and Atlantic oceans are being used, TESS38 comes standard-equipped with a cargo securing device that can secure log onto the decks, which is a device often used when transporting log.

TESS38 also has four deck cranes, and is built to improve cargo-handling efficiency and maintenance by having a hatch cover with a larger opening and a semi-box shaped hold area that is suited for transporting steel products. The design also features propulsion that is more efficient and an improved hull design to reduce wave and wind resistance.

Tsuneishi decided to develop the design to meet the higher demand for transportation of raw materials due to economic development in Asia.