TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President, Kunio Suzuki) today announced plans to order eight large-size car carriers that will be completed in 2005 and 2006.
MOL currently operates about 60 car carriers including owned ships, maru ships, and long-term chartered ships, offering car transport services on a global scale. To upgrade the fleet in response to changing market needs, MOL plans an ongoing program to replace older vessels with advanced new ships in turns. Between 2003 and 2006, the company will launch 14 new car carriers, including six vessels with a capacity of 6,400 units already ordered, which will join the fleet between March 2003 and April 2004.
The eight carriers to be ordered will offer the most advanced environment-friendly systems, as well as other features to maximize efficiency in loading/unloading and operational safety, such as movable jumping slopes. In addition, their decks will have sufficient headroom to accommodate today’s taller vehicles. Like the six vessels already ordered, they will have a service speed of 20 knots, ramps that can accommodate up to 100 tons, and two-layer adjustable decks.
MOL is now negotiating final specifications and prices with Japanese shipyards, and will make final decisions on orders in the near future.
Specifications of MOL’s New Car Carriers:
For further information, please contact:
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Hiroyuki Fukumoto
General Manager, Co-ordination and Operation Group, Car Carrier Division
Tel: +81 3 3587 7538
Fax: +81 3 3587 7746