How many Wallenius vessels are there?
Today, Wallenius owns or charters about 35 car carriers. Together with partners, we control approximately another 150 vessels.
What kind of vessels are there?
In the Wallenius fleet we have two different types of vessels:
- PCTC – Pure Car Truck Carrier, loading capacity of 7,200 cars
- LCTC – Large Car Truck Carrier, loading capacity of 8,000 cars
How large are they?
Today’s ships are between 200 and 230 metres long and approximately 32 metres wide. They can carry up to 8,000 cars, or a combination of cars, trucks, cranes, large rolls of paper and rubber or large turbines. They have also transported parts for wind turbines, luxury yachts, complete train sets and aircraft wings.
What is their draft?
Between 8.0 and 11.6 metres, depending on how much cargo they are carrying. Draught normally decreases during a voyage as fuel is used up.
How fast do they travel?
The ships are designed for a speed of around 20.5 knots. In practice, however, service speed is closer to 18.5 knots. There are significant economic and environmental advantages in reducing speed and with that slowing helping to conserve fuel.
How old are they?
The oldest ship was built in 1977. New ones are produced on a yearly basis.
How old can a vessel be?
We estimate that Wallenius vessels will be operable for at least 30 years since they are properly maintained and looked after. Over time, the dimensions of the cargo can change, which means that the demands on cargo space, speed, range, etc may also change. Such factors may mean that the ship becomes uncompetitive with more modern ships. In that case, we rebuild it, and the life is then extended to meet modern requirements on safety, efficiency and the environment.
How much fuel is used during a round-the-world voyage?
A typical round-the-world voyage - Europe → USA → Japan/Korea → Europe - would use around 3,700 tons of oil.
Why carry so much fuel in the tanks?
The quality and price of fuel varies in ports around the world. We want to run on fuel with the lowest sulphur content possible (less than 1.5 percent). There is usually good quality fuel in Europe. This is why we fill our tanks up for a complete round trip, which also works out as being more economical.
What are the emissions from a vessel?
Ships emit nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxides (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulates (PM) and hydrocarbons (HC).
What do you do to reduce the emissions?
In the mid 1990s, we undertook a major survey of the environmental impact with the goal of finding different ways to reduce emissions.
We put together some tough environmental goals, among other things to cut down NOx with 25 percent, use fuel with max sulphurous content of 1.5 percent and use non-poisonous anti-fouling paint and clean ballast water. During 2007, we achieved a 23 percent NOx reduction and an average of 0.98 percent sulphur content for the fleet. We continue constantly to use upstream solutions which will help us to alleviate the problem.
How long does it usually take a ship to travel from Sweden to Asia, Europe, and the USA?
Sweden → Singapore: 20 days
Sweden → Japan: 35 days
Sweden → New York: 12 days
Sweden → Los Angeles: 25 days
How are accidents prevented?
When ships are on the drawing board, great emphasis is placed on minimising the probability of accidents and their consequences. This is partly to meet the requirements of Classification Societies and national authorities such as the Swedish National Maritime Administration and partly to improve the ship further. Wallenius vessels are designed to standards that go beyond the usual industry requirements. Among other things, we place extra emphasis on bridge design and equipment, double hulls, lifesaving equipment, fire protection, sophisticated monitoring systems, etc. Involved in this are both co-workers on board as well as in the office. Their existing common knowledge and experience is of great value to us. Before a new vessel is commissioned, the crew is trained on the onboard equipment. When the ship is fully operational, careful maintenance and training remain continuous.
How do you ensure that the cargo is kept in place during the voyage?
All cars are driven aboard, parked (loaded), and secured in a special way. There are very high standards as to how this is carried out. Moreover, the instructions for loading staff state lay down practices that act to ensure that the cars will not be scratched or suffer any superficial or serious damage.