WW and OW order four LCTCs each

Wilh. Wilhelmsen (WW) and Wallenius Lines (OW) have placed orders with Hyundai Heavy Industries to build four new large car and truck carriers (LCTC). In addition, both shipowners have also ordered four LCTCs from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.

The two shipowners will own four vessels each and the eight LCTCs will be deployed in WW and OW?s joint venture Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics’ (WWL) global trade. The vessels will be 228 metres long and have a car carrying capacity of 8,000 units. The newbuildings will be of the latest design to meet the service and cargo requirements of WWL’ customers. Seven of the vessels will be delivered in 2011 and one is scheduled for delivery in 2012. Having environment as a top priority, the vessels will have environment-friendly technology, reducing emissions to the air and sea.

“These contracts are true to our strategy of strengthening our unique market position through the building of advanced vessels specially designed to meet our customers? needs”, says group chief executive Ingar Skaug at WW. “The orders will contribute to meet our continuous need to expand the fleet and also to secure our position in emerging markets.”

In order to ensure new and modern tonnage, WW and OW are pursuing an extensive newbuilding programme. The order book for the group of companies currently comprises some 45 vessels to be delivered through 2012.