High-efficiency MacGregor cargo handling system optimises payloads for UASC's ultra-large container vessels

CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 1 JUNE 2015 AT 10 AM (EEST)

United Arab Shipping Company's first ultra-large container vessel has entered service equipped with a MacGregor high-efficiency cargo handling system, which is designed to maximise payload potential and operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact by minimising emissions per TEU carried.

Delivered by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries' (HSHI) Mokpo shipyard on 8th May, Barzan is the first in a series of six 18,800 TEU container carriers for United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), designed to set new standards in fuel and energy efficiency.

"We are increasingly servicing environmentally-aware customers across the globe," says Jørn Hinge, President and Chief Executive Officer at UASC. "We push the boundaries of eco-efficiency standards to ultimately ensure that our customers can achieve higher levels of environmental sustainability."

Barzan's optimised MacGregor cargo handling system comprises hatch covers, a comprehensive lashing system and its Lashmate software program. The vessel also benefits from MacGregor's support service in taking use the full potential of the cargo system, including a compatibility check of all equipment and software and trainings for the personnel to use the equipment correctly. Further, a five-year extended MacGregor Onboard Care (MOC) agreement is included.

A fundamental element of delivering vessels with optimised payload potential is that the cargo system design steps in at an early stage of the ship project, before any restrictive decisions have been made.

"MacGregor is striving to elevate the status of the cargo handling system so that it is at the forefront of modern shipbuilding processes," says Tommi Keskilohko, Director at MacGregor's Customer Solutions for Cargo Handling business. "Our work with UASC demonstrates that substantial improvements to a ship and its cargo system design can be achieved with an open dialogue and close co-operation between all parties at a very early stage.

"Personnel at all levels must understand the system for it to be effective. We supported UASC through a pre-delivery training programme, and training will continue with the vessel in operation."

"To verify the benefits of MacGregor's optimised solution and to maximise the utilisation of the system's potential, we will conduct cargo system performance analysis of the vessel in service," adds Mr Keskilohko.

In addition to the six ULCCs, UASC has ordered eleven 15,000 TEU vessels also benefiting from optimised MacGregor cargo handling systems. The first was delivered in late 2014 with three more delivered up to May 2015.

Further information for the press:
Tommi Keskilohko, Director, Customer Solutions, Cargo Handling, MacGregor,
tel: + 358 40 574 2433
tommi.keskilohko@macgregor.com

or

Heli Malkavaara, Communications Manager, MacGregor, tel: +358 20 777 4500 heli.malkavaara@macgregor.com

MacGregor offers world leading engineering solutions and services for handling marine cargoes and offshore loads. The scope of our integrated packages is growing and now also includes Hatlapa, Porsgrunn, Pusnes and Triplex products.

MacGregor serves the offshore, maritime transportation and naval logistics markets in ports and terminals as well as on board ships and rigs. MacGregor solutions combine load and cargo access, stowage, care and handling functions to optimise lifetime profitability, productivity and environmental sustainability. www.macgregor.com   

MacGregor is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's sales totalled approximately EUR 3.4 billion in 2014 and it employs approximately 11,000 people. Cargotec's class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd under symbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com   

About UASC
United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) is a global shipping company based in the Middle East. Founded in 1976, UASC has more than 185 offices around the world. The company is the largest container shipping line in the Middle East region and adjacent markets, covering over 240 ports and destinations worldwide. UASC offers containerized cargo transportation, temperature controlled (reefer) and out of guage cargo amongst other value added services to a diversified global client-base. For further information, please visit www.uasc.net.