MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has received an order worth USD 21 million for optimised cargo handling systems for five 10,500 TEU container vessels. The ships are under construction at South Korean shipyard Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and are being built for German operator Hapag-Lloyd. They are planned for delivery between October 2016 and May 2017 and will primarily be deployed on South American routes.
"Cargo system flexibility during loading and unloading operations, in combination with attaining a vessel's actual payload capacity, is crucial for maximising a ship's revenue and long-term profitability," says Tommi Keskilohko, Director at MacGregor's Customer Solutions. "Such efficiency can only be achieved when all parts of a cargo system are designed as one integrated element at an early stage of any newbuiding project, before any restrictive decisions have been made.
"MacGregor is pleased to be working together with Hapag-Lloyd and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries on this new project," adds Mr Keskilohko. "In fact, its relatively tight schedule would not have been feasible without this forward-thinking approach and seamless cooperation between all parties."
The optimised MacGregor cargo handling system for each new vessel will comprise hatch covers, lashing bridges, a loose lashing system and container fittings, along with related software and a lifecycle support package.
MacGregor will support Hapag-Lloyd in maximising the cargo system's full potential through a training programme for crew and land-based personnel. Cargo system performance will be analysed and guidance offered. MacGregor markets its optimised full cargo system solutions for container ships under the name MacGregor PlusPartner.