The history of the Tsuneishi Economical Standard Ship (TESS) goes back to 1981, when a Norwegian shipping company requested the construction of a large bulk carrier with a superior loading capacity of 40,000 tons. At that time, the largest vessels in the handy bulker class had a 36,000-ton capacity. Although the shipping industry in Japan at the time was of the opinion that a ship with a loading capacity of 40,000 tons was too large, Tsuneishi put the customer requirements first, and set about construction. The TESS made its debut on the international market as a low-cost, fuel-efficient bulk carrier with an original design by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Company. Moreover, it could be used to carry a variety of goods, and its size enabled it to enter most ports around the world. This outstandingly economical ship attracted a great deal of attention from ship owners both in Japan and overseas, and to date more than 200 such ships have been built.
The TESS40 (GLENEAGLES), the first of the TESS series was completed in 1984. The series was then expanded with the addition of the TESS45 and TESS52－improved versions that were faster, more fuel-efficient and had greater capacity. Around 1990, the TESS series ships earned high reputations because of their ease of use, and the Tsuneishi Group was credited for the increase in Handymax bulk carrier sales. Subsequently, a variety of ships were added to the lineup, such as the TESS58, and the EURO VERSION, that was born out of a review of the needs of overseas ship owners. The original development concept of the Tsuneishi Group－giving top priority to the ship-owner's requirements and building highly economical and functional ships－remains unchanged to this day.
Various technologies are used during the development of the TESS to achieve a high degree of reliability, safety, and comfort in ship navigation. A 3D CAD system is used for designing the ships. Tests are conducted in circulating water channel facilities and full use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) enables the highly efficient development of ships at low-cost. Moreover, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used for a thorough analysis of the ship structure. Large volume analysis of the entire ship can be performed swiftly, allowing more reliable evaluation of the hull strength.
- ■Bulk Carrier with Increased Load Capacity
- From the outset, the TESS series was developed as a large-capacity ship in line with customer requirements. The increased load capacity coupled with an optimal balance between the propulsive performance and maneuverability has enabled economical operation.
- ■Suitable for Carrying Various Kinds of Bulk Cargo Such as Grain and Coal
- Ships in the TESS series are multipurpose vessels with a high degree of usability and ease of operation, and have provided many ship owners with increased business opportunities in marine transportation.
- ■Can Even Carry Long Steel Pipes and Hot Rolled Steel Coils
- Meticulous attention has been paid to the loading space from the holds to the upper deck, the cross deck and the loading gear to allow the TESS series to carry various kinds of cargo. Even steel pipes can be loaded safely.
- ■Low Cost and High Fuel Efficiency Allows Economical Operation.
- From the outset, the Tsuneishi Group's development concept has been to build economical and multipurpose ships while keeping costs and fuel consumption low. Moreover, electric loading gear is fitted as standard on the TESS58. Not only are the running costs lower than those for hydraulic equipment but sea pollution is also reduced.
The Tsuneishi Group is implementing quality assurance activities in line with international standards to attain high levels of reliability, quality and safety. The Tsuneishi and Tadotsu factories in Japan and Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc. and Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding Inc. have acquired ISO 9001 quality management system certification and ISO 14001 environmental management system certification. While making every effort to meet international standards, the Tsuneishi Group is committed to manufacturing products that live up to high customer expectations.
