Largest ro-ro launched by Wilhelmsen

The Mark V features a length of 265m, offering a cargo volume of 138 000m³ over six fixed and three hoistable decks. It was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan. Four Mark V vessels have been ordered by Wilh. Wilhelmsen and its partner Wallenius Lines. The second vessel will be delivered in August 2011 and two in 2012. Wilhelmsen technical department developed the design in close cooperation with the shipyard and has been responsible for follow-up work at the yard.

The cargo area of Tønsberg is arranged for high (up to 7.1m) and heavy cargo such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and harvesters. With a width of 12m and safe working load of 505 tonnes, the stern ramp offers customers the possibility to ship larger units than before. Cargo can 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.

The Mark V is intended to use 15% to 20% less fuel per transported unit 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 waste heat generator will help to cut emissions significantly. A Unitor ballast water treatment system is fitted, and all fuel oil tanks are protected to minimise the risk of leakage in case of grounding or collision.

Tønsberg is the fourth vessel with this name in the Wilhelmsen fleet, being named after the coastal town in Norway where the company was founded in 1861. Tønsberg will commence service in the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics’ round-the-world trade.

“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. “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 company 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 Wang. “Tønsberg will make Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics unique position in the market for transport of high and heavy cargo even stronger.”.

“The 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. “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.”

Manning and technical management will be performed by Wilhelmsen Ship Management Norway. Tønsberg will fly the Maltese flag, and be owned by Wilhelmsen Lines Shipowning Malta, which is owned by Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA.