Four more 24,000dwt multi-purpose vessels have been ordered for the global services of Rickmers-Linie, the heavylift and project cargo shipping company by Polaris Shipmanagement, a Rickmers Group company. The contract with the Chinese shipbuilder Guangzhou Wenchong was signed in on the evening of 23 September, the first day of the major German shipbuilding and marine equipment exhibition, SMM.
Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for May 2011 and by December 2011 all four will be in service. This latest quartet brings to 18 the number of newbuildings now contracted in for ultimate deployment in Rickmers-Linie’s worldwide network.
The newbuildings now ordered from Guangzhou Wenchong are identical to four vessels of the so called “Superflex Mumbai Max Class” to be built for Polaris by Wuhu Xinlian Shipbuilding, a contract that was announced last July. All eight have been purpose-designed for the carriage of breakbulk, heavylift and project cargo. With a deadweight of 24,000 tonnes, an overall length of 175m and a beam of 26.5m, they will be fitted with variable height tweendecks for maximum cargo flexibility.
Each vessel will be equipped with three cranes, one capable of lifting 120 tonnes and two 350 tonne units that can be combined to handle loads of up to 700 tonnes.
The service speed of the ships will be up to 18 knots. The electronic control of the main engine utilizes the latest in technological development for the reduction of bunker consumption and CO2 emissions, thus contributing to a more environmentally friendly propulsion system. The vessels will furthermore be classed in accordance with the "Environmental Passport" standard.