With the deployment of the newly built MV Tønsberg, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has launched an entirely new class of ro/ro vessel that combines size, equipment and sustainability. By George Lauriat, AJOTAJOT: The recent launch of the MV Tønsberg was the first of the Mark V class of ro/ro vessels for service with Wallenius Wilhelmsen. Who is the shipbuilder? WWL: The shipbuilder is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan. Wilh. Wilhelmsen’s technical department developed the design in close cooperation with the shipyard. AJOT: Who is the vessel’s owner (flag, registration etc.) WWL: Operated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, the MV Tønsberg is owned by Norway-based global maritime giant Wilh. Wilhelmsen and marks the company’s 150th anniversary. AJOT: How many Mark V class ships are on order? When is the next vessel due? WWL: Three more ships will be delivered to Wilh. Wilhelmsen and its partner, Wallenius Lines. The second vessel will launch in August 2011 and two more in 2012. AJOT: How was the MV Tønsberg named? WWL: MV Tønsberg is the fourth vessel with this name in the Wilh. Wilhelmsen fleet. It is named after the coastal town in Norway where the company was founded in 1861. AJOT: The Mark V vessels represent the largest class of ro/ro vessels. Often in regards to containerships, we talk of “economy of scale”; but for ro/ro ships, what is the advantage of larger vessels? WWL: The Mark V class vessels are specially designed to be strong and flexible to accommodate large and heavy cargo. They can fit the equivalent of up to 10,000 cars but are more so built to accommodate a mix of auto, heavy equipment and breakbulk cargo. This Panamax vessel services the round-the-world trade and features 50,335 square metres in deck area. Aside from the increased capacity, the ship design boasts a stronger ramp with a 500-tonne capacity — a significant upgrade from the 380-tonne capacity of the previous model. Hoistable decks allow oversized and breakbulk cargo to be stored comfortably and according to its needs. AJOT: Was the increased size market-driven? For example, was the high & heavy project freight sector a consideration in the design of the Mark V class beyond the normal pure car/pure truck business? WWL: The ships were ordered with future tonnage needs in mind. Since then, Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA has experienced a healthy rise in its shipping operations, with a 25% increase in 2010 transported volumes as compared to 2009. And as more investments are poured into construction, energy and infrastructure projects around the world, the larger tonnage and flexibility of these ships will continue to gain in demand. AJOT: What special design features for cargo handling does the Mark V class employ? WWL: A sturdier, stronger and wider ramp allow for larger and heavier cargo to be rolled on and off. Hoistable decks give more options for cargo storage and can better accommodate cargo that demands more height. AJOT: With larger sizes is there any special route or terminal considerations in deployment? WWL: This Panamax vessel will be supporting WWL’s round-the-world service. AJOT: Another consideration in the design of all modern commercial vessels is fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. How does the new class, particularly considering the size, address these challenges? WWL: The Mark V is 15 to 20% more fuel efficient per transported unit than its predecessors, thanks to optimized hull form and a number of energy saving features such as the streamlined rudder design and duck tail. In the engine room an advanced turbo generator produced electricity from the waste, exhaust heat. These initiatives significantly help to cut emissions. And a Unitor water ballast treatment system avoid harmful transfer of microorganisms to the sea. Furthermore, all fuel oil tanks are protected to minimize the risk of leakage in case