Interesting Ship – Wilh. Wilhelmsen’s Mark V class ro-ro

In commemoration of its 150th anniversary, Wilh. Wilhelmsen has launched the M/V Tønsberg, a Mark V class vessel said to be the largest, most sophisticated vessel ever built in the roll-on roll-off segment.

At a length of 265 meters, the M/V Tønsberg is the largest vessel of its kind.  The vessel boasts a 12 meter wide stern ramp with a safe working load of 505 tons.  Inside, a cargo volume of 138,000 cubic meters over six fixed and three hoistable decks makes the vessel capable of transporting high and heavy cargo such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and harvesters. The clear height of the main deck, at 7.1 meters, is also unprecedented for this kind of vessel.  Cargo can even be loaded on the weather deck, which has a ramp from the deck below. Three decks can be hoisted by electric winches to provide maximum flexibility and utilization.

The Mark V class vessels will also use 15 to 20% less fuel per transported unit than its predecessors, thanks to a 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 produces electricity from the waste, exhaust heat. In total, these initiatives help to cut emissions significantly.

A Unitor water ballast water treatment system avoids harmful transfer of microorganisms to the sea. Further, all fuel oil tanks are protected to minimize the risk of leakage in case of grounding or collision.

Built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan, the M/V Tønsberg is the first of 4 Mark V class vessels expected to be delivered by 2012.

Check out this video tour of the world’s largest ro-ro, the M/V Tønsberg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3VvQwryoTw

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