Wallenius Lines News

Third Multi-fuel Car Carrier Delivered to UECC

Norwegian shipping line UECC announced it has taken delivery of its third and final newbuild multi-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) battery hybrid pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) as the company works toward meeting new requirements for low-emission ship operations with the green transformation of its fleet.The latest newbuild, to be named Auto Aspire, was delivered on October 20 at China’s Jiangnan Shipyard and will soon join sister vessels Auto Advance and Auto Achieve plying…

Shipbuilding: UECC Takes Delivery of Auto Advance, a “Dual-fuel LNG Battery Hybrid PCTC”

While many companies talk about decarbonization, United European Car Carrier (UECC) acts, as proven by its recent acceptance of the world’s first dual-fuel LNG battery hybrid PCTC, Auto Advance, delivered from China’s Jiangnan Shipyard and Maritime Reporter & Engineering News’ 2021 Great Ship of the Year.The ship is the first in a series of three newbuild pure car and truck carriers (PCTC), measuring 169 by 28 meters with capacity for 3600 vehicles on 10 cargo decks. The remaining…

Wallenius Orders Up to Six LNG-fueled Car Carriers

Chinese shipyard CIMC Raffles on Monday announced it has secured an order to build up to six liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered car carriers for Swedish shipping company Wallenius Lines.The order is for two initial ships, plus a pair of options—each for two additional vessels. The ships will be built at CIMC Raffles' Longkou yard in Yantai, China.Designed by Danish naval architect Knud E. Hansen, the Swedish flagged vessels will be 200 meters long, 37 meters wide with capacity of 6,500 car equivalent units (CEU).

First of UECC's Three LNG Battery Hybrid PCTCs Launched

The first of three liquefied natural gas (LNG) battery hybrid pure car and truck carriers (PCTC) commissioned by Norwegian shipping company United European Car Carriers (UECC) was launched this week at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. The remaining two vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2022."With the launch of our first LNG battery hybrid PCTC, we are ushering in a new era for UECC and short sea shipping in Europe," said Glenn Edvardsen, UECC CEO. "These ships prove that…

UECC to Trial Marine Biofuels

Short sea ro-ro operator UECC and marine biofuel company GoodFuels have launched a joint trial of GoodFuels Bio-Fuel Oil (MR1-100 or BFO) on UECC’s ro-ro vessel M/V Autosky, the companies announced Thursday.The three month trial will test 3,000 metric tons of sustainable biofuel on the 140m, 2,080 vehicle carrier – a step in advancing marine biofuel for the ro-ro segment. The biobunkering, which will take place in the Port of Rotterdam, will be the first in a series of bunkering operations between March and May 2020.

MAN Fuel Gas System for New Icebreaking RoRos

MAN Energy Solutions’ marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel-gas-system manufacturer MAN Cryo has inked a deal to supply the LNG fuel-gas supply systems for two icebreaking roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) newbuilds being built at Yantai Raffles shipyard in China for Swedish shipping line Wallenius SOL. MAN Energy Solutions will also supply a pair of 9L28/32DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines to each vessel.Upon construction, the 242-meter vessels will be the largest to ever to meet Finnish/Swedish ice class 1A Super standard…

Steel Cut for UECC Hybrid PCTC

Norway-based provider of shortsea RoRo transportation United European Car Carriers (UECC)  held a steel cutting ceremony for its first newbuild pure car truck carrier (PCTC) on order with China Ship Building Trading and Jiangnan Shipyard Group.Representatives from UECC, NYK, Japan Marine Science, MUFG Bank, DNV-GL, SDARI, CSSC and CSTC gathered at the Jiangnan Shipyard in in Shanghai on the 8th of January 2020 to witness and celebrate the steel cutting ceremony for UECC’s first Battery Hybrid LNG Powered PCTC.Earlier, UECC, jointly owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Lines, has signed a contract to construct three new generation PCTC with China Ship Building Trading Co., Ltd and Jiangnan Shipyard Group Co.

UECC Orders Four New Car Carriers

United European Car Carriers (UECC) has signed a contract to construct two new generation pure car/truck carriers (PCTCs) with China Ship Building Trading Co., Ltd and Jiangnan Shipyard Group Co. Ltd.The newbuilding contract also has options for two additional vessels, and the first vessel is planned for delivery in 2021. UECC is jointly owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Lines.The vessels will be equipped with a Battery Hybrid LNG Solution which will place UECC beyond IMO’s target for a 40 percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030.“This is a giant leap towards decarbonization, and unlike anything else that has been done previously in our industry…

Wilhelmsen, Wallenius One Step Closer to Merger

Wilhelmsen and Wallenius have signed an agreement leading to a new ownership structure for their jointly owned investments in Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, EUKOR Car Carriers and American Roll on Roll off Carrier. Signing the transaction agreement is an important milestone in the merger as announced in September,” says Jan Eyvin Wang, president and CEO of Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA. “The final go ahead is pending approval from competition authorities and the respective entities’ shareholders.” Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA will issue shares to Wallenius Lines in exchange for their shares of the currently joint investments. At the completion of the merger, Wilhelmsen and Wallenius will hold 37.8% and 48% of the new entity to be named Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics ASA.

Great Ships of 2016: M/V Auto Eco

Since it started publishing in 1939, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News has recognized excellence in ship construction. United European Car Carriers (UECC), which is jointly owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Lines, held a naming ceremony for the M/V Auto Eco, a s historic ship in that it is the first of two dual fuel LNG PCTCs with 1A Super Finnish/Swedish ice class. The world’s first dual fuel LNG PCTC M/V Auto Eco had her formal naming ceremony at the Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium on November 21, 2016.

First Dual-fuel LNG Car Carrier Christened

United European Car Carriers (UECC), daughter company of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Lines, signed a contract in 2014 for the construction of two dual fuel LNG Pure Car and Truck Carriers. The first vessel, de ms AUTO ECO, left the shipyard in China in September and arrived in November in Zeebrugge. On November  21, the ms AUTO ECO was christened at the terminal of International Car Operators (ICO) in the Zeebrugge inner port. The godmother of the ship is Claire Tillekaerts, CEO of Flanders Investment & Trade.

First LNG-fueled Pure Car/Truck Carrier Named

United European Car Carriers (UECC), owned equally by NYK and Wallenius Lines, held a naming ceremony on November 21 at the Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, for Auto Eco, the world’s first LNG-fueled pure car and truck carrier (PCTC). Auto Eco had been delivered to UECC on September 29. The ceremony was attended by Geert Bourgeois, minister-president of the government of Flanders; Claire Tillekaerts, CEO of Flanders Investment and Trade; Masafumi Ishii, Japan’s ambassador to Belgium; Takao Kusakari, NYK senior advisor; and Koichi Chikaraishi, NYK senior managing corporate officer; among others. Auto Eco is equipped with dual-fuel engines that can use either liquefied natural gas (LNG) or heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil.

Belgium Delegates Visit NYK

Geert Bourgeois, Minister-President of the government of Flanders; Claire Tillekaerts, CEO of Flanders Investment and Trade; and accompanying delegates visited the NYK head office and met with NYK board counselor Koji Miyahara, senior advisor Takao Kusakari, and senior managing corporate officer Koichi Chikaraishi. During the meeting, Kusakari, who serves as the president of the Japan-Belgium Society, offered his appreciation for the visit on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan, and also 120 years since the start of NYK’s first European liner service between Yokohama and Antwerp. He also mentioned that NYK will continue to seek collaboration and cooperation with the government of Flanders through the ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp…

World’s First LNG-fueled PCTC Delivered

United European Car Carriers (UECC), which is equally owned by NYK and Wallenius Lines, took delivery of the world’s first LNG-fueled  Pure Car and Truck Carrier  from Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. on September 29 at the NACKS shipyard in Nantong, China. The vessel  will be named “Auto Eco” when reaching North Europe towards the end of November, and it is the first of two sister vessels to be delivered. These new, unique vessels are equipped with dual-fuel engines that can use either liquefied natural gas (LNG) or heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil. These vessels will be put into service in Europe, where strict sulphur emission regulations have been introduced.

Wilhelmsen and Wallenius to Merge

Wilhelmsen and Wallenius have signed a letter of intent to establish a new ownership structure for their jointly owned investments. The new entity, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics ASA, will form a more efficient management structure and enable further synergies between the joint ventures. “The markets in which the jointly owned entities operate are going through rapid change and require a more agile and efficient business model. In addition to establishing a common owner and governance structure, the proposed merger is expected to enable synergies between USD 50-100 million by combining the assets and harvesting economies of scale, including more optimal tonnage planning…

The Switch's PM Shaft Generator for LNG Vessel

The Switch, a specialist of megawatt-class permanent magnet (PM) machines for advanced marine drive trains, has been selected to deliver its PM shaft generator for an LNG carrier with a 45,000 cubic meter cargo capacity, allowing the vessel to gain greater efficiency over its entire speed range. This order is part of a complete energy efficiency system being delivered by WE Tech Solutions (WE Tech) of Finland to Saga LNG Shipping Pte. Ltd. The vessel will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. Earlier this year, The Switch received a PM shaft generator order with an option of one more from the energy-efficient solution provider WE Tech for an LNG carrier owned by Saga LNG Shipping Pte. Ltd. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in October 2016.

Obituary: Christer Olsson, Stolt-Nielsen Chairman of the Board

The Board of Directors of Stolt-Nielsen Limited announced the passing of Christer Olsson, Chairman of the Board. He was 70. Mr. Olsson had served as a Director of the Company since 1993, and as Chairman of the Board since December 15, 2009, when he succeeded Jacob Stolt-Nielsen, the company's founder. The Board of Directors will elect a new chairman at the Company's Annual General Meeting in April 2016. "For more than two decades, Christer provided constructive guidance and thoughtful insights to Board discussions, helping the Company to capitalize on opportunities as well as overcome challenges," said Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer. "Christer has been a trusted support to me since he first was elected to the Board.

KOTUG’s Hybrid Rotortug Named in Bremerhaven

On June 18, 2015, the Damen-built ART 80-32 Hybrid Rotortug RT Emotion was named in the Port of Bremerhaven during KOTUG’s annual Herring Party. Annika Bootsman-Kleberg, Member of the Wallenius’ Board and granddaughter of Olof Wallenius, Swedish entrepreneur and founder of Wallenius Lines, performed the naming of RT Emotion in attendance of her family, friends, KOTUG’s business relations and representatives of Damen Shipyards Group. KOTUG chose the Lady Sponsor to express its…

The Switch Receives PM Shaft Generators Order

The Switch, a supplier of megawatt-class permanent magnet (PM) generator and full-power converter packages for wind power and other renewable energy applications, received another order to deliver two PM shaft generators to WE Tech Solutions of Finland. At the end of February 2015, WE Tech Solutions placed another order for two PMM 1000 M shaft generators from The Switch with the option for an additional two to be used in future WE Tech Solutions projects. WE Tech Solutions utilizes the PM machine both as generator and motor in their direct-drive permanent magnet shaft generator solution.

Deltamarin Designs Car Carriers at Chinese Shipyard

Deltamarin Ltd. signed a contract with the Chinese Tianjin Xingang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry for Approval and Detail Design work for the two (plus two options) Post Panamax Car Carriers ordered by the Swedish shipowner Wallenius Lines. Prior to this contract, Deltamarin has already developed the Outline and Contract Design together with the shipyard for the owner. Tianjin Xingang shipyard has previously focused on building mainstream vessel types such as bulk carriers. With Deltamarin’s assistance, the yard managed to secure this newbuilding contract of a more sophisticated vessel type. The yard is also currently building 10 bulk carriers of Deltamarin’s B.Delta37 design: four vessels for French Louis Dreyfus Armateurs and six vessels for the US-based M.T. Maritime Management Group.

Latest Global Deep-Sea Shipbuilding Contract Round-Up

Far East shipbuilders scoop the pool of latest big ship newbuilding orders reports Clarkson Hellas in their latest Weekly  S+P Bulletin. This week Clarkson Hellas say that Bocimar has announced an order for two firm 206,000 DWT Newcastlemax and one firm 180,000 DWT Capesize at Imabari, with delivery of all three vessels in 2016. Also at Imabari, Wisdom Marine announced an order for two firm 81,000 DWT Kamsarmax. Pricing is understood to be in the region USD 33-Millionper vessel with delivery in 2016.

"The Switch" Passes Bench Test

The Switch, a specialist of megawatt-class permanent magnet (PM) machines and frequency converter packages for advanced wind and marine drive trains, has successfully tested its PM shaft generator in a rigorous bench test in Vaasa. The first pair in an order of four PM shaft generators is part of a complete system being delivered by WE Tech Solutions of Finland to Wallenius Lines of Sweden. The PMM 1000 direct-drive marine shaft generator certified by Lloyds marks the first of its kind to take advantage of PM technology, allowing ships to gain greater efficiency over the entire speed range. During the end of November in Vaasa, Finland, the first two of four PM shaft generators successfully passed the rigorous back-to-back bench test.

UECC Orders Dual-Fuel Ice-classed PCTCs

United European Car Carriers (UECC), jointly owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Lines, inform it has signed a contract to construct two triple-fuel LNG Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTCs). The contract has been signed with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and the vessels will be constructed at the NACKS shipyard in Nantong, China which is a joint venture between KHI and China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company. Deliveries of both the vessels will be in the second half of 2016.