Swire Bulk’s new vessel MV Singan has completed a full load of export logs for China after its maiden arrival at Port Taranaki.
It’s the first of 10 new vessels for the company (the dry bulk division of Singapore-based China Navigation Company) which are being built in Japan.
Over the past 12 months, more than 70 Swire Bulk vessels have made close to 250 port visits in New Zealand, primarily serving the export forestry market.
Similar style newbuilds within the fleet are log fitted to ensure capability when serving the New Zealand market.
Built at Namura Shipbuilding in Hakodate, Japan, the new vessels are 180 metres in length, with a payload of 34,000 tonnes with bulk holds for dry cargoes including grains, agricultural nutritionals and fertilisers.
“The vessel is designed for optimal speed and consumption at 12.5 knots in the laden condition,” Swire Bulk general manager Rob Aarvold says.
“The eco-efficiency additions of the rudder bulb, wake fin and pre-swirl will improve vessel hull efficiency.”
The vessel is also installed with the latest solid state radar equipment which is integrated with electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS).
This ensures compliance with the latest and future requirements and for system updates to be managed easily.
“Having these log-fitted newbuildings on water would strengthen Swire Bulk’s position in the log market,” Aarvold says.
“We are one of the world’s largest handysize logger fleets, and we have the flexibility, supply and consistent technical standards to perform and deliver freight contracts safely, reliably and professionally.”
The MV Singan also called at Gisborne and Marsden Point before completing a full load of export logs for China.
