More Japanese car carriers fit Cargotec’s MacGregor electric drives

In September Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd (MOL) contracted Cargotec to supply electrically-driven MacGregor RoRo equipment for two 6,400 unit pure car carriers (PCCs) that are under construction at Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co Ltd in Japan. Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2011. The order was booked in the third quarter 2009 order intake.

MacGregor equipment for each ship includes a quarter ramp, a side ramp, and six internal ramps (including two watertight ramps). All equipment will be operated by electric winches and actuators, eliminating the use of hydraulic oil in the operating system.

“These new orders show that our customers appreciate the advantages that electrically-driven RoRo equipment offers,” says Magnus Sjöberg, sales director for RoRo ships at Cargotec. “These advantages include reduced risk of cargo damage, as well as reduced environmental impact due to energy savings as continuous running is not required. They are also easy to monitor, and installation is easier and more cost efficient.”

Next year will see the delivery of the first pure car truck carrier (PCTC) fitted with a complete set of MacGregor electrically-driven RoRo access equipment. The contract is also with Shin Kurushima and includes equipment for one 4,000-unit PCTC for MOL. The vessel will be fitted with a stern quarter ramp, a side ramp and two internal watertight hoistable ramps, all of which will be operated and secured by electric winches and actuators.

(Source: Transport Weekly)