The Wilh. Wilhelmsen group has launched its 150th anniversary vessel, MV Tønsberg, into operation. The Mark V class is the most sophisticated vessel ever built in the roll-on roll-off segment.
“We expect that Mark V will strengthen our position as the global market
leader within deep sea roll-on roll-off transport”, says Jan Eyvin
Wang, president and CEO of Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA, representing the owner
of the vessel. “The Mark V class is the most sophisticated ro-ro vessels
ever built with major innovative design criteria such as high ramp
capacity, deck strength and height, low fuel consumption, good
transportation economy and safe cargo handling. Together with Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, we have constructed a class of environmentally
friendly vessels with several unique features”.
The Mark V vessel is the largest of its kind, with a length of 265
metres offering a cargo volume of 138 000 cubic metres over six fixed
and three hoistable decks. The pioneering roll-on/roll-off vessel is
built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan. Four Mark V
vessels will be delivered to Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA and its partner
Wallenius Lines. The second vessel will be delivered in August and two
in 2012.
Wilh. Wilhelmsen technical department developed the design in close
cooperation with the shipyard and has been responsible for follow-up of
the construction work at the yard.
Built for larger, heavier cargo
Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA experienced a strong rebound in its shipping
operations last year, with a 25% increase in transported volumes in 2010
compared with 2009.
“The market demands new and more effective tonnage, and we foresee the
Mark V class as a dynamic driver in its segment”, explains Jan Eyvin
Wang.
The entire cargo hold of the MV Tønsberg is arranged for customer’s high
and heavy cargo such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and
harvesters.
With a width of 12 metres and safe working load of 505 tonnes, the
vessel’s stern ramp offers customers the possibility to ship larger
units than ever before. The clear height of the main deck, 7.1 metres,
is also unprecedented for this kind of vessel.
Cargo can even be loaded on the weather deck, which has a ramp from the
deck below. Three decks can be hoisted by electric winches to provide
maximum flexibility and utilisation. MV Tønsberg will commence service
in the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics’ round-the-world trade. “M/V
Tønsberg will make Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics unique position in the
market for transport of high and heavy cargo even stronger,” explains
Wang.
"The M/V Tønsberg is a welcomed addition to our fleet, allowing us to
carry larger cargo, and more of it, with reduced environmental impacts,"
says Arild Iversen, president and CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Logistics. "MV Tønsberg and our entire 2011 newbuilding programme mean
better service, more options and more capacity for our customers. Such
investments are how we maintain our promise to deliver innovative and
sustainable global shipping and logistics solutions for manufacturers of
cars, trucks, heavy equipment and specialised cargo."
Designed for sustainability
The Mark V will use 15 to 20% less fuel per transported unit than its
predecessors, thanks to optimised hull form and a number of energy
saving features such as the streamlined rudder design and duck tail. In
the engine room an advanced turbo generator produces electricity from
the waste, exhaust heat. In total, these initiatives help to cut
emissions significantly.
A Unitor water ballast water treatment system avoids harmful transfer of
microorganisms to the sea. Further, all fuel oil tanks are protected to
minimise the risk of leakage in case of grounding or collision.
MV Tønsberg is the fourth vessel with this name in the Wilh. Wilhelmsen
fleet. It is named after the coastal town in Norway where Wilh.
Wilhelmsen was founded in 1861. MV Tønsberg is the Wilh. Wilhelmsen
group’s 150th anniversary vessel.
Manning and technical management will be performed by Wilhelmsen Ship
Management Norway. MV Tønsberg will fly the Maltese flag, and be owned
by Wilhelmsen Lines Shipowning Malta, which is owned by Wilh. Wilhelmsen
ASA.
