MacGregor on China Navigation vessels

China Navigation Company's (CNCo) four new 'Chief Class' 22,000dwt multi-purpose vessels ordered from Zhejiang Ouhua Shipbuilding (Ouhua), on Zhoushan Island in China, will each feature three 60-tonne variable frequency drive (VFD) MacGregor cranes and hydraulically operated MacGregor hatch covers. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2013 and are scheduled for delivery in late 2014 and first quarter 2015. The contract includes options for additional 2+2 vessels.

CNCo is the deep-sea ship-owning and operating arm of the Swire group of companies and is wholly owned by the group's parent company, John Swire & Sons. The new vessels will operate for Swire Shipping's liner division, trading between Australia and Papua New Guinea. They have been specifically designed to meet the particular demands of this trading route.

"The cranes' enhanced efficiency is due to faster and more accurate load positioning that reduces the time spent in port, and a 30% to 35% reduction in power consumption compared to electro-hydraulic cranes", says Svante Lundberg, sales manager for MacGregor cargo cranes. MacGregor hatches, cellguides and fixed fittings solution combines cargo areas with hydraulic folding hatch covers on both weatherdeck and tween deck with areas of lift-away hatch covers on weatherdeck and cellguides in hold. This arrangement creates unique cargo-handling solution by offering versatile cargo stowage options for these ships.

"We have enjoyed a successful working relationship with CNCo over a number of years", says Lundberg. "CNCo pioneered the use of our electric cranes and this new order builds on several new ship series to feature our efficient cargo-handling equipment."