Hual increases car carrier order

HUAL, the Ro/Ro vehicle carrying unit of Leif Höegh, has placed an order for two additional car carriers (PCTC) with Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding (DSME) for delivery in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The vessels will have capacity to carry some 6,100 cars and this latest order brings the number of PCTC on order to 7 ordered from DSME. The first 5 vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2004 and 2005 and the contract includes options for further vessels.

The order forms part of the renewal of HUAL’s fleet and HUAL is experiencing a substantial demand for flexible PCTC vessels capable of carrying high and heavy cargo in addition to factory new- and second hand cars. The vessels are designed with four hoistable decks plus 8 fixed decks and 150 tons capacity on the main ramp. Karl Terjesen, president of HUAL said “We find this design and size of vessel to be optimal in many trades. By employing flexible vessels we can optimise cargo mix and capacity utilisation and meet cargo owners’ demand for frequency.”

HUAL expects that vehicle exports from Japan and Korea will remain strong in the years ahead while China may develop into a major exporter and importer of Ro/Ro cargo in the future.