MacGregor Optimises UASC's Container Vessels Payload

 

United Arab Shipping Company's first ultra-large container vessel has entered service equipped with a MacGregor high-efficiency cargo handling system, which is designed to maximise payload potential and operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact by minimising emissions per TEU carried.

Delivered by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries' (HSHI) Mokpo shipyard on 8th May, Barzan is the first in a series of six 18,800 TEU container carriers for United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), designed to set new standards in fuel and energy efficiency.

"We are increasingly servicing environmentally-aware customers across the globe," says Jørn Hinge, President and Chief Executive Officer at UASC. "We push the boundaries of eco-efficiency standards to ultimately ensure that our customers can achieve higher levels of environmental sustainability."

Barzan's optimised MacGregor cargo handling system comprises hatch covers, a comprehensive lashing system and its Lashmate software program. The vessel also benefits from MacGregor's support service in taking use the full potential of the cargo system, including a compatibility check of all equipment and software and trainings for the personnel to use the equipment correctly. Further, a five-year extended MacGregor Onboard Care (MOC) agreement is included.

A fundamental element of delivering vessels with optimised payload potential is that the cargo system design steps in at an early stage of the ship project, before any restrictive decisions have been made.

"MacGregor is striving to elevate the status of the cargo handling system so that it is at the forefront of modern shipbuilding processes," says Tommi Keskilohko, Director at MacGregor's Customer Solutions for Cargo Handling business. "Our work with UASC demonstrates that substantial improvements to a ship and its cargo system design can be achieved with an open dialogue and close co-operation between all parties at a very early stage.

"Personnel at all levels must understand the system for it to be effective. We supported UASC through a pre-delivery training programme, and training will continue with the vessel in operation."

"To verify the benefits of MacGregor's optimised solution and to maximise the utilisation of the system's potential, we will conduct cargo system performance analysis of the vessel in service," adds Mr Keskilohko.

In addition to the six ULCCs, UASC has ordered eleven 15,000 TEU vessels also benefiting from optimised MacGregor cargo handling systems. The first was delivered in late 2014 with three more delivered up to May 2015.