The vessel, built at the Wuhu Xinlian shipyard in China, is currently deployed on Safmarine’s multipurpose vessel (MPV) trade between North America and West Africa.
Anita Edmondson, director of International Logistics at M-I SWACO, had the honour of naming the vessel in Georgia, United States. “I am delighted to be the godmother of this new vessel, which is a symbol of Safmarine’s long-term commitment to the MPV trade and to supporting our business.”
Safmarine Container Lines chief financial officer Rob Harrison said: “MPV is a Safmarine differentiator, and our investment in new vessels not only allows us to meet our customer’s requirements and partner more closely with them, but also tells them we are here to make a difference – and that we are prepared to invest in making that difference.”
Edmondson, and Safmariner Pilar Maurial, also chose to celebrate the naming of the new vessel by charitable contributions. Edmondson donated US$1 500 (approximately R11 298) to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honour of the occasion; while Maurial, the 2011 winner of Safmarine’s Customer Recognition Award, donated her US$3 000 (about R22 591) prize money to the International Seamen’s House.
The naming of the new MPV vessel coincided with the delivery of Safmarine’s first new WAF MAX container vessel – the Safmarine Chilka.
“The Safmarine Chilka is the first of three new containerships in our colours and livery this year. All three vessels have been purpose-built for trade with Africa and are examples of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group’s commitment to growing both the Safmarine brand and trade with Africa,” said Grant Daly, chief executive officer of Safmarine.
Images courtesy Safmarine
Vital stats
Flag: United Kingdom
Home port: Liverpool
Year built: 2010
Build location: Wuhu Xinlian shipyard
DWT: 17 991
Draft: 8.60
LOA: 161.50
Beam: 25.20
GT: 14 859
Nominal TEUs: 1 047
Gear nr. tonnes: 3x80 (150)
Maximum speed: 17.00
