MV Tønsberg
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/MV_T%C3%B8nsberg_R01.jpg/220px-MV_T%C3%B8nsberg_R01.jpg)
MV Tønsberg is a roll-on/roll-off ship owned by Wilh. Wilhelmsen. As of 2012[update] it is the largest RORO ship in the world.[1]
Specification
- Dimensions: MV Tønsberg is 265m length overall and 32.26m wide, and has 11m draught and 46m of airdraught. Gross tonnage is 76,500 gt. Capacity is 5% - 7% higher than Mark IV roro ships.
- Decks: Six fixed decks and three hoistable ones (4B, 6 and 8, lifted by electric winches). The main deck can take loads 7.1m high - more than other vessels - allowing very large loads. The total deck space is 50,335 m² and cargo volume is 138,000 m³. Internal ramps are 8 metres wide; The weather deck (which can be used for outsize or unusual loads, such as wind turbine blades) also has a 4m wide ramp from below, to reduce the need for cranes.[2]
- Stern ramp: The stern ramp is 12m wide and can take loads of 505 tonnes.
- Design: Hull form has been improved, so compared to previous ships it will use 15 - 20% less fuel per unit of cargo.[3] Stability has been improved, to reduce the need for ballast water. There is a double bottom and Deck 5 is also watertight.
- Propulsion: 7-cylinder MAN B&W engine, which has been derated from 22,890 kW[4] to 20,100 kW MCR at 108rpm; (although normal output in service is 18,090 kW), driving a 7.3m diameter 6-bladed propeller; plus two 2,500 kW Kawasaki thrusters (one each at the bow and the stern). Service speed is 20.25 knots.[5]
History
MV Tønsberg is the fourth Wilhelmsen ship to carry this name; it's named after the Norwegian coastal town where Wilhelmsen was founded in 1861.[6] It was built to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wilh. Wilhelmsen line. It is the first in a series of four "Mark V" ships, built in 2010-2011 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki, in Japan.[5] The second ship of the class, Parsifal, was delivered in September 2011.[7]
In June 2012, Tønsberg was awarded "Ship of the Year 2011" by the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers, recognising its efficiency and environmental compatibility.[8]
References
- ^ "Wilhelmsen launches largest ro-ro ship". Logistics Manager. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
- ^ "Wilh. Wilhelmsen launches next generation ro-ro ship". Heavy Lift & project Forwarding International. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
- ^ "Wilh. Wilhelmsen launches next generation cargo vessel". Wilhelmsen press release. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
- ^ "MAN B&W L70ME-C8-TII Project Guide" (PDF). MAN. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- ^ a b "Wilhelmsen new ro-ro is biggest ever". The Motorship. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
- ^ "Utsatt dåp for verdens største RoRo skip". skips-revyen. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
- ^ "Parsifal hits new notes for heavy lift". Heavy Lift & project Forwarding International. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
- ^ "TØNSBERG, MHI's Massive RO/RO Vessel, Awarded "Ship of the Year 2011": High Transport Efficiency and Environmental Compatibility Recognized". Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Retrieved 1 July 2012.