The vessels will be built in Japan at Nagasaki yard for delivery in 2011 and 2012.
The new ro-ro carriers will have a cargo volume of 138 000 cubic metre, close to 10% more than the WW/OW partnership’s most recent ro-ro carriers.
WW and OW have through good collaboration with MHI developed tomorrow’s ro-ro design featuring greater cargo capacity and more efficient operations. Recently a Protocol of agreement was signed.
The new generation of ro-ro vessels will be employed in WW and OW’s joint venture Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. They will be designed for efficient transportation and handling of high and heavy cargo (H&H), non-containerised cargo (NCC) and cars.
The vessels will be unique on the basis of major innovative design criteria such as high ramp capacity, deck strength and height, low fuel consumption, good transportation economy and safe cargo handling.
Environmental consideration has been in focus on this new generation of ro-ro vessels. Particular attention has been paid to hull lines development in order to reduce fuel oil consumption and exhaust gas emissions. The exhaust gas energy will also be recovered to generate the entire electrical need at sea. In addition an advanced ballast treatment system, will be installed to reduce harmful transfer of micro-organisms between different ecosystems.
“This will further strengthen our unique position in the market and also contribute to our continuous need to expand the fleet, “says group chief executive Ingar Skaug at Wilh. Wilhelmsen.
Lone Fonss Schroeder, president Wallenius Lines adds: “This order will add further capacity to satisfy our customers need and secure our position in emerging markets. ”
In order to ensure new and modern tonnage, WW and OW are pursuing an extensive newbuilding programme. This currently comprises some 43 vessels to be delivered up to 2012.