September 9, 2009 - On September 8, 2009, construction of "Rigel", “K” Line’s third 300,000-dwt class ore carrier, has been completed by Universal Shipbuilding Corporation Ariake Shipyard.
She is a Very Large Ore Carrier to carry cargoes dedicated for loading at Brazil and unloading in Italy for ILVA S.p.A.. Linking the deep draft berth of ILVA at the Port of Taranto and major Brazilian ports by putting a very large vessel in service on the shuttle run will make it possible to achieve efficient transportation. The vessel is of the so-called "Unimax Ore", the revolutionary 300,000 dwt type ore carrier that has the versatility to enter major iron ore loading ports, while focusing on very deep water ports in Brazil, one of the largest places of iron ore exporting.
The most advanced technology had been applied to construction of the vessel, in order to ensure that she would satisfy our customers’ needs. For example, each cargo hold is equipped with the world’s largest single panel hatch cover so as to enable efficient cargo handling. She is also equipped with energy saving devices developed by Universal Shipbuilding Corporation, thus enabling dramatically improved propulsive performance and fuel consumption. The vessel, constructed to fly the Japanese flag and mainly crossing Atlantic Ocean, is expected to play a part in the initiative to improve the education and training system for Japanese seafarers, thereby contributing to further globalization of the Japanese shipping industry.
The vessel is the largest ore carrier ever devoted by “K” Line to ILVA. “K” Line has also been awarded several contracts by ILVA for shipment of cargo by bulk carriers. With a large number of vessels from various types with various sizes – from very large to small -,
“K” Line offers its Japanese and international customers a unique range of transport services. “K” Line will remain committed to flexibly and actively responding diversifying needs for shipments of ore and other iron-bearing raw materials.
Vessel Particulars
| LOA |
: 327.00 m |
Width |
: 55.00 m |
Depth |
: 29.25 m |
Draft |
: 21.40 m |
Deadweight |
: 297,571 tons |
Gross Tonnage |
: 150,836 tons |
Main Engine |
: MAN-B&W 6S80MC-C |
Speed |
: 14.3 knots |
Class |
: NK |
Flag |
: Japan |
Builder |
: Universal Shipbuilding Corporation Ariake Shipyard |
For further information, please contact:
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line):
Kenji Sakamoto
General Manager, Coal & Iron Ore Carrier Group
Tel: 81-3-3595-5381
Michitomo Iwashita
Manager, Coal & Iron Ore Team No.1 of Coal & Iron Ore Carrier Group
Tel: 81-3-3595-5406
