Norwegian Car Carriers to Buy Two from Hyundai Samho
Oslo-listed Norwegian Car Carriers (NOCC) has signed a contract with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries for the construction of two 6500 ceu Pure Car Truck Carrier (OCTCs). Delivery from the South Korean shipyard is scheduled for between the fourth quarter 2016 and first quarter 2017, and there is an option included for two additional vessels. NOCC’s strategy is to grow its business as a tonnage provider serving the global car carrier operators, says a company statement. The company currently has 10 car carriers in its fleet ranging between 4,000-7,000 ceu. The specification for the 6 500 car capacity PCTC is based on the Hyundai built NOCC Oceanic with improvements and upgrades.
HUAL To Strengthen Short Seas
HUAL, one of the major global car carrier operators, has decided to split its short sea activities into two entities in order to enhance and expand service to short sea customers in Europe. HUAL has served the European short sea market through its French subsidiary Cetam SAS covering both pure car- and combined car/trailer segments. The activities in Cetam will now be split in order to further support growth in the two segments individually and meet the requirements from different categories of customers. HUAL entered into a joint-venture agreement with Louis Dreyfus Armateurs SAS to cover the combined car/trailer segment under the name of LD Cetam SAS, whereas the pure car segment will be further developed through HUAL under the name Autoliners SAS.
Hual Increases PCTC Order to 7 Ships
HUAL, the Ro/Ro vehicle carrying unit of Leif Höegh & Co, has placed an order for two additional car carriers (PCTC) with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering for delivery in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The vessels will have capacity to carry some 6100 cars and 7 similar vessels are now ordered from Daewoo. The first 5 vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2004 and 2005. 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 liftable decks (plus 8 fixed decks) and 150 tons capacity on the main ramp. We find this design and size of vessel to be optimal in many trades.
Car Carrier Picks Up Crew from Burning Tanker
HUAL ASIA, a Pure Car/Truck Carrier owned by Leif Höegh & Co Shipping, picked up 24 crew from an abandoned tanker on fire in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman. The 24 crew are reported to be in good condition. One crew is reported missing. HUAL ASIA was en route from Jeddah to Dubai when it received a distress call on the VHF radio channel 16. HUAL ASIA changed course and proceeded to the distressed vessel, which was on fire. 24 crew were picked up and search continues for one missing crew. 8 of the crew were later transferred to a US navy vessel, which has taken over the on scene command from HUAL ASIA. HUAL ASIA is a modern Roll-on/Roll-off vessel of the Pure Car/Truck Carrier type with capacity of carrying about 6100 cars. The vessel was built in 2000 and has a crew of 25.
