Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has put its second new-generation Mark V ro-ro vessel into operation. The MV Parsifal is currently on route from Asia to North America with a full load of predominantly breakbulk and high&heavy cargo, as well as a consignment of passenger vehicles – “exactly the mix she is designed for”, said a spokesperson for the company.
MV Parsifal is the second of four Mark V vessels built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (owned by Wallenius Marine) for WWL, which are being brought in to build capacity into the ocean forwarder’s service. In March this year the company put its first such vessel, the MV Tonsberg into service on its North America to Oceania route. All four vessels are expected to be in operation on global routes by the end of 2012.
WWL’s parent company Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA has reported an increase in its operating profit this year because of a continued increase in deep sea volumes, including continued export of passenger cars and high&heavy equipment.
Car volumes have risen by 9% year-on-year in the second quarter, but were outperformed by high and heavy cargo, which increased by 24%.
The latest vessel is 265 metres long and 12 metres wide offering a cargo volume of 138,000m3 and a safe working load of 505 tonnes. It has six fixed and three hoistable decks, with a main deck clearance height of 7.1 metres.
"Our 2011 newbuilding programme means better service, more options and more capacity for our customers. Joining us in a market with strong demand, the arrival of MV Parsifal is perfectly timed,” said Arild Iversen, WWL’s president and CEO
Each Mark V vessel is designed to reduce emissions per cargo by 10-15% according to the company, achieved through a combination of features that include a new hull structure, streamlined rudder design and advanced turbo generator that produces electricity from waste exhaust heat.
A PureBallast ballast water treatment system with a capacity of 1,000 m3/hour also ensures the vessels fulfil the International Maritime Organisation´s Convention on Ballast Water Treatment.
“Such investments are how we maintain our promise to deliver innovative and sustainable global shipping and logistics solutions to our customers," said Iversen.
