Wilhelmsen launches the next generation ro-ro vessel

The vessel is the largest of its kind, with a length of 265 m offering a cargo volume of 138 000 cu m over six fixed and three hoistable decks. The pioneering roll-on roll-off vessel was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Nagasaki, Japan. Four Mark V vessels will be delivered to Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA and its partner Wallenius Lines with second vessel delivered in August and two more in 2012.

The Mark V class has a number of major innovative design criteria such as high ramp capacity, high deck strength and height, low fuel consumption and safe cargo handling. “Together with MHI, we have constructed a class of environmentally friendly vessels with several unique features,” said Jan Eyvin Wang, president and CEO of Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA.

The hold of the mv Tønsberg can accommodate high and heavy cargo such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and harvesters. With a width of 12 m and safe working load of 505 tonnes, the vessel’s stern ramp offers customers the possibility of shipping larger units than ever before and the clear 7.1 m height of the main deck is unprecedented for this kind of vessel. Cargo can even be loaded on the weather deck, which has a ramp from the deck below.

To commence service in Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s round-the-world trade, “Tønsberg is a welcome addition to our fleet allowing us to carry more and larger cargo with a reduced environmental impact,” said Arild Iversen, president and CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics.

Designed for sustainability, the Mark V will use 15 to 20% less fuel than its predecessors thanks to an 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 with these initiatives helping to significantly cut emissions.

A Unitor water ballast water treatment system avoids harmful transfer of micro-organisms to the sea while the fuel oil tanks are protected to minimise the risk of leakage in case of grounding or collision.

The mv Tønsberg is the Wilh. Wilhelmsen Group’s 150th anniversary vessel and the fourth vessel in the fleet to be named after the coastal town in Norway where Wilh. Wilhelmsen was founded in 1861.