NYK VENUS

Today we have the NYK Venus (IMO: 9312793, Port of Registry: Panama) featuring as the Ship of the Day. The NYK Venus is 338 meters long, almost 46 metres wide, has a gross tonnage of 97,825 tons and a TEU capacity of 8,600. She is propelled by a B&W 12K98ME engine which delivers approximately 87,000 horsepower. The vessel was built in 2007 by Hyundai Heavy industries and is equipped with the most advanced environmental safety measures, including an electronically controlled engine and a specialized hull structure to prevent fuel-oil leakage. The NYK Venus was the second ship of four identical NYK vessels which have been built between October 2006 and April 2007. Her sister vessels are: NYK Vega, NYK Vesta and NYK Virgo

The NYK Venus is expected to arrive later this evening at the ECT Terminal coming from Jeddah, Saudi-Arabia on the Grand Alliance EU-4 loop. She will depart within 48 hours with destination Hamburg.

CMA CGM MEDEA

The CMA CGM Medea (IMO: 9299800, Port of Registry: Marseille) is an in 2006, by Hyundai Heavy Industries built, Post-Panamax container vessel, capable of transporting up to 9,400 teu. She is 349 metres long, almost 43 metres wide, has a maximum draught of about 15 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 107,000. The CMA CGM Medea also provides passenger accomodation with five passenger cabins. On board, guests can book a single or double room and enjoy the ship’s amenities including a lounge, gymnasium, pool and library along with meals at the captain’s table. Travelers seeking an uncommon cruise adventure between Asia and Europe need look no further. The CMA CGM Medea is the fourth of eight super mega container vessels deployed in the new European (FAL2) service jointly operated by CMA CGM and China Shipping. Her sisters are: CMA CGM Fidelio, Rigoletto and Norma.

The CMA CGM Medea has entered the Port of Rotterdam this morning where she is berthed at the ECT Terminal. She will depart tomorrow with destination Hamburg.

HEDWIG OLDENDORFF

Today's Ship of the Day is the Hedwig Oldendorff (IMO: 8015697, Port of Registry: Monrovia). This under Liberian flag sailing bulk carrier was built in 1984 by Hyundai Heavy Industries, has a deadweight of about 150.000 tons and has 9 holds and hatches. The ship is 281 meters long, 53 meters wide and has a maximum draught of 15 meters .

The Hedwig Oldendorff is scheduled to arrive later this evening from Port Cartier, Canada at the EECV terminal, Rotterdam containing a load of iron ore .

AL SHEGAYA

The Al Shegaya is an Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC) built in 1998 by Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea. The vessel is 335 meters long, 58 meters wide and has a maximum draught of almost 23 meters. With a deadweight of 310,000 tons, the Al Shegaya is one of the largest crude carriers currently sailing. The ship is owned by the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company which is also the owner of the vessels: Al Tahreer, Al Awdah, Kazimah III, Al Salhia, Al Samidoon, Al Funtas and Al Shuhada.

The Al Shegaya arrived in Rotterdam this morning from Sidi Kerir Terminal (Egypt) for discharging at the MOT terminal.

EXPLORER

The Explorer (IMO: 8116051, Port of Registry: Willemstad, Dutch Antilles) was originally a barge carrier built in 1984 as the Pavel Antokolskiy. She was converted in 2003 to a yacht carrier for Dockwise Yacht Transport. The Explorer is 159 metres long, 31 metres wide, has a submerged draught of 11 metres, a gross tonnage of 19,453 and a net tonnage of 10,763. She has a deck space of 2823 m2 and is propelled by two 2780 kW Wartsila Vasa diesel engines which give the vessel a service speed of 9 knots. The yacht carrier was specially converted to safely accommodate large and small sailing and motor yachts within its 10-metre high side walls during transport.

The Explorer arrived this morning at the Waalhaven, Rotterdam. She will leave in about a week with destination Le Havre.

EBBA MAERSK

The Ebba Maersk (IMO: 9321524, Port of Registry: Copenhagen, Denmark) is already the fifth in line of Maersk's PS-class. Together with her sisters (amongst which are the 'Emma Maersk' and 'Evelyn Maersk') she is the largest containership ever with a total teu capacity 11,000 teu (of which 1,000 forty foot reefer containers) according to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group. A total capacity of 13,500 teu is also possible when containers are not fully loaded. This capacity is possible by stacking the containers in 22 rows wide. Maersk calculates the teu capacity with loaded containers. The vessel is 397 meters long, 56 meters wide, has a depth of 30 meters and a deadweight of 156,907 tons. Amazingly, all this size and capacity requires a crew of only 13. The specially designed Wärtsilä diesel engine delivers 80,000 kW. A waste heat recovery system is installed to optimise the use of the energy produced, so that the engine can deliver up to 90,000 kW. The vessels in this series have also established new standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Environmentally-safe silicone paint, for example, is used on the hull, below the water line, reducing water resistance, and thereby fuel consumption, by 1,200 tons per year. The ship was launched at Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd in May 2007.

The Ebba Maersk will arrive this evening at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Algeciras. Tomorrow, the vessel will set sail for Bremerhaven on the APM AE1 line. She will return within about 7 weeks to Rotterdam.

XIN LOS ANGELES

Two years ago the Xin Los Angeles was the largest containervessel around. But since the launching of the Emma Maersk (which arrived yesterday at the port of Rotterdam), the vessel is 'just' one of the bigger ones. The Xin Los Angeles is 337 metres long, almost 46 metres wide and has a maximum draught of 15 metres. She can carry a maximum of 18 rows of containers by eight tiers on the weather deck and 16 rows by 10 tiers in the holds which gives the vessel a total capacity of 9,600 teu. The ship is propelled by a MAN B&W 12K98MC-C Mk6 engine, with a power of 68,520 kW. During sea trials the ship achieved a ballast service speed of 25.4 knots. The CSCL Pusan and Xin Shanghai are her sistervessels.

The Xin Los Angeles has entered the port of Rotterdam this morning and is currently berthed at the ECT terminal.

EMMA MAERSK

The Emma Maersk is the largest containership of all times with a total teu capacity 11,000 teu (of which 1,000 forty foot reefer containers) according to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group . Rumours are that a total capacity of 13,500 teu is also possible. This capacity is possible by stacking the containers in 22 rows wide. The vessel is 397 meters long, 56 meters wide, has a depth of 30 meters and a deadweigth of 156,907 tons. The specially designed Wärtsilä diesel engine delivers 80,000 kW. A waste heat recovery system is installed to optimise the use of the energy produced, so that the engine can deliver up to 90,000 kW. The ship was built this year by Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd. The Emma's sister vessels are (amongst others): Estelle Maersk and Eleonora Maersk.

The Emma Maersk will arrive at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Algeciras later this day. The vessel will then set sail for Bremerhaven on the APM AE1 line. She will return within about two months to Rotterdam.

SEVAN VOYAGEUR

The Sevan Voyageur(IMO: 9390977, Port of Registry: Nassau) is a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading platform (FPSO), which is used as a floating production and storage for hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are stored in tanks in the hull of the platform and are transported by shuttletankers or by pipe line to onshore refineries. The hull is fitted with machinery, power generators, transformators, electric boards, fire control systems, ballast pumps and cargo pumps.

The main components on deck are living quarters with control rooms, workshop, life vessels, helipad, cranes, on- and offloading system for oil, and anchorwinches.

The FPSO also has a processing plant for hydrocarbons installed on deck. Depending on characteristics of the field, the processing plant has different modules for processing oil, gas, and water.

Source: Sevan Marine

There is also a power generating module that delivers power to the platforms additional machinery. The processing module has an oil production capacity of 10.000 - 200.000 barrels and a storage capacity of 300,000 barrels. She has an offloading capacity of 3,600 m3 per hour.

The oil is brought from the reservoir through one or more risers from the wellhead on the sea bed up to the platform. Gas and water is separated from the oil. The gas can be treated in several ways. It can be flared, re-injected into the well or used in the operations of the processing plant. The water is re-injected into the reservoir or released into the ocean after satisfactory cleaning.

The Sevan Voyageur is already the third round FPSO from Sevan Marine. Her predecessors are 'Sevan Piranema' and 'Sevan Hummingbird'

The Sevan Voyageur left Yantai Raffles Shipyard,China on November 9, 2007. The platform was placed onboard of the semi-submersible heavy load vessel 'Tai An Kou', which will enter the port of Rotterdam this evening where she will unload the Sevan Voyageur. The Sevan Voyageur will then be towed to Keppel Verolme Shipyard where she will be built off for topside hook-up and commissioning.

CMA CGM NORMA

The CMA CGM Norma (IMO: 9299812, Port of Registry: Marseille) is an in 2006, by Hyundai Heavy Industries built, Post-Panamax container vessel, capable of transporting 9415 teu. She is 350 metres long, almost 43 metres wide, has a maximum draught of about 14.5 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 107,200. The CMA CGM Norma was the first of eight super mega container vessels deployed in the new European (FAL2) service jointly operated by CMA CGM and China Shipping. Her sisters are the CMA CGM Rigoletto, CMA CGM Medea and CMA CGM Fidelio.

The CMA CGM Norma is expected to arrive later this afternoon at the ECT Terminal, Rotterdam with the last port of call at Le Havre. She is scheduled to depart saturday morning with destination Hamburg.

QUEEN VICTORIA & QUEEN ELIZABETH 2

Today we have two cruise vessels of the Cunard Line entering the Port of Rotterdam, namely the brand-new Queen Victoria (IMO: 9320556, Port of Registry: Southampton) and the, 48 year old, Queen Elizabeth 2 (IMO: 6725418, Port of Registry: Southampton). The Queen Victoria is 294 metres long, 36 metres wide, 54 metres high and has a gross tonnage of 90,049. She provides accomodation to a maximum of 2,000 guests in 990 staterooms which are located on 12 decks. Nice to mention is that 86% of the rooms are outside and 71% of the rooms have balconies. Of course, she is equipped with several lounges, bars and restaurants. Next to this, she is also equipped with a shopping mall, a winter garden, a grand, stylish West-End-style theatre, a conference center, fitness center, sports deck etc., etc. She was built this year by Fincantieri Shipyards, Italy.

The legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 was built in 1969 by Upper Clyde Shipyards, UK and has already carried over two million passengers. She is 293 metres long, 32 metres wide and has a gross tonnage of 70,327. She provides accomodation to 1,778 passengers. On board are a casino, book shop, several bars and restaurants, a library, theatre, pools etc., etc.

Both vessels arrived this morning at Rotterdam. The Queen Victoria, which is on her maiden trip, is currently berthed at the Holland Amerikakade and the Queen Elizabeth is berthed at the Waalhaven. Both vessels will depart later this afternoon with destination Southampton.

Please find the webcams of both vessels below:

CHICAGO EXPRESS

The Chicago Express (IMO: 9295268, Port of Registry: Hamburg) is 336 metres long, 43 metres wide, has a maximum draught of 14.5 metres, a deadweight tonnage of 104,000 and a teu capacity of 8750. The containership was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea in 2006 and is currently owned by Hapag Lloyd, Germany for whom she is currently deployed on the EU3 service between China and Europe. Her sister vessels are the Kyoto Express and Colombo Express.

The Chicago Express is scheduled to enter the Port of Rotterdam later this evening with the last port of call at Hamburg. She will depart tomorrow with destination Port Kelang, Malaysia and will return to Rotterdam within two months.

STELLANOVA

The Stellanova (IMO: 9085730, Port of Registry: Rotterdam) is a heavy load ship operated by Jumbo Shipping. She is, together with her sisters Jumbo Spirit and Fairload, the smallest vessel in Jumbo's fleet. The ship is almost 96 metres long, about 18 metres wide and has a gross tonnage of 4,962. She has one hold with a bale capacity of 7176 cubic metres, one crane with a capacity of 250 tons and 1 derrick with a 250 tons capacity (in combi 500 tons). The Stellanova was built in 1996 by the IJssel Vliet Combination, the Netherlands.

The Stellanova will arrive this afternoon at the Waalhaven, Rotterdam with the last port of call at Fredericia, Denmark.

XIN SHANGHAI

The Xin Shanghai (IMO: 9307231, Port of Registry: Hong Kong) is one of the largest containervessels currently sailing with her length of 336.7 metres, width of 45.6 metres and a maximum draught of 15 metres. She can carry a maximum of 18 rows of containers by eight tiers on the weather deck and 16 rows by 10 tiers in the holds which gives the vessel a total capacity of 9,600 teu. The ship is propelled by an MAN B&W 12K98MC-C Mk6 engine, with a power of 68,520 kW. During sea trials the ship achieved a ballast service speed of 25.4 knots. The CSCL Pusan and Xin Los Angeles are her sistervessels.

The Xin Shanghai is scheduled to enter the port of Rotterdam from Le Havre this afternoon. She will berth at the ECT terminal, Rotterdam and depart with destination Hamburg tomorrow. She will return to Rotterdam within two months.

MSC MARIA ELENA

The MSC Maria Elena (IMO: 9304423, Port of Registry: Panama) was built in 2006 by Samsung Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries and is with its teu capacity of 9,200 one of the largest container vessels sailing and the biggest vessel of the Mediterranean Shipping Company. The ship is 336 meters long, 43 meters wide and has a deadweight tonnage of 110,000. The Maria Elena is currently sailing on the MSC's 'Silk Express', the Far East/China - Northwestern Europe route.

The MSC Maria Elena will enter Rotterdam this evening and will visit the ECT Delta Terminal. The vessel's last port of call was Felixstowe.

YACHT EXPRESS

The Yacht Express (IMO: 9346029, Port of Registry: Willemstad, Dutch Antilles) is purpose-built with a semi-submersible dock bay that allows yachts of any size to be safely floated on and off as cargo. This 209 metres long, 32 metres wide vessel has a 165 x 31 metres loading deck for luxury motor and sailing yachts. For propulsion the vessel is equipped with two azimuth thrusters with a combined power of 10,200 KW.

The Yacht Express is owned by Dockwise Yacht Transport, based in Fort Lauderdale, USA, a group company of Dockwise Transport B.V., which is located in Breda, The Netherlands and considered the global leader in maritime transports of extremely large and heavy cargoes. She was christened on May 24, 2007 (an auspicious date that will bring luck to anything new according to the Chinese traditional calendar) at the Yantai Raffles Shipyard, China.

The Yacht Express has entered the Port of Rotterdam this morning and will be berthed at the Waalhaven, Rotterdam. There she will unload the two inland casco's she has transported from China.

COSCO GUANGZHOU

Today's Ship of the Day is the Cosco Guangzhou (IMO: 9305570, Port of Registry: Piraeus, Greece) which was one of the largest container vessels in gross tonnage about one year ago, together with her sisters: Cosco Hellas, Cosco Ningbo, Cosco Beijing and Cosco Yantian. Since the introduction in 2005 and 2006 of Maersk's S-class vessels (amongst which are the Emma Maersk, Estelle Maersk and Eleonora Maersk) and the built of several larger CSCL vessels, she is 'just' one of the larger ones. This post-panamax container vessel is 350 metres long, almost 43 metres wide, has a deadweight tonnage of 107,000 and a teu capacity of 9,500. She is currently sailing on the AE1-loop which connects Asia and Europe.

The Cosco Guangzhou is scheduled to arrive this afternoon at the ECT Terminal, Rotterdam, with the last port of call at Singapore. She will leave tomorrow for Felixstowe, Hamburg and Antwerp before returning to the Far East.

SAIPEM 7000

Today's SotD is world's second largest crane vessel Saipem 7000 (IMO: 8501567, Port of Registry: Nassau, Bahama's) with a lifting capacity of 2 x 7,000 tonnes. Only Heerema's Thialf is larger with its lifting capacity of 2 x 7,100 tonnes, however the crane radius of Saipem 7000 grant a lifting capability of 14000 t at 42 meters while Thialf can only lift 14200 at 31.2 meters; for this reason, the Saipem 7000 retains the world lifting records. The Saipem 7000 is 198 metres long, has a free deck area of 9,000 sq. m. and a transit speed of 9.5 knots. The vessel is equipped with 10 azimuth thrusters for exact manoeuvring, ballast tanks with a total capacity of more than 100,000 cu. m. for lowering the vessel into its position and 2 twin Saipem 7000 model fully revolving bow mounted AMHOIST cranes. She provides accomodation for a maximum of 800 persons in 405 fully AC single or double cabins. The Saipem 7000 was previously known as the Micoperi 7000 and is currently owned by Saipem S.p.A, Italy. She was built in 1987 by Fincantieri, Italy.

The Saipem 7000 arrived last night at Keppel Verolme Shipyards, Rotterdam. She will stay in port for about 3 months.

SAVANNAH EXPRESS

Today's SotD is the Savannah Express (IMO: 9294989, Port of Registry: Hamburg) which has a maximum teu capacity of 8,400. The vessel is 332 metres long, 43 metres wide, has a deadweight tonnage of 107,000 and a gross tonnage of 94,483. She was built in 2005 by Daewoo Heavy Industries. The 68,520 KW HSD engine gives the vessel a maximum speed of 25 knots.

The Savannah Express is scheduled to arrive this afternoon at the Port of Rotterdam. The Hapag Lloyd schedule shows the vessel will arrive at the ECT terminal at November 28. Therefor, she will probably anchor off Rotterdam for two days.

CAPRI

Today we have the 59 metres long tri-deck motor yacht Capri. This British flagged yacht was built in 2003 at Lürssen Shipyard, Germany and designed by Glade Johnson. She is equipped with 6 ensuite staterooms to accomodate 12 passengers, several water sports vehicles, a music studio, a gymnasium, cinema room, jacuzzi for 10 and a helicopter deck. She is manned by a crew of 13 persons.

The Capri arrived this morning at Maassluis. More information on the yacht can be found at: http://www.yachtcapri.com

FAIRMOUNT ALPINE

Today's SotD is the anchor-handling tug Fairmount Alpine (IMO: 9344784, Port of Registry: Panama). This 75 metres long, 18 metres wide tug has an engine capacity of 16,320 BHP which is delivered by a Wartsila W6L32. This capacity gives the vessel a 205 ton bollard pull. She was built in 2006 at Niigata, Japan and is owned by the dutch company Fairmount Marine.

The Fairmount Alpine arrived November 1. at Rotterdam towing the Ensco 100

together with the tug 'De Da'. She will go to sea this morning for sea trials and will return into port later this evening where she will take berth alongside her sister, the Fairmount Glacier.

COSCO BEIJING

The Cosco Beijing (IMO: 9308508, Port of Registry: Piraeus) is one of the largest container vessels nowadays, together with her sisters: Cosco Hellas, Cosco Ningbo, Cosco Yantian and Cosco Guangzhou. Only the in 2006 and 2007 built Maersk PS-class vessels (amongst which are the Emma Maersk, Estelle Maersk and Eleonora Maersk) and three in 2006 for CSCL built containervessels are larger in gross tonnage. The vessel is 350 metres long, almost 43 metres wide, has a deadweight tonnage of 107,000 and a teu capacity of 9,450. The Cosco Beijing is currently sailing on the AE1-loop which connects Asia and Europe.

The Cosco Beijing is scheduled to arrive later this evening at the ECT Terminal, Rotterdam, with the last port of call at Singapore. The vessel will leave tomorrow for Felixstowe, Hamburg and Antwerp before returning to the Far East.

CSCL LE HAVRE

The CSCL Le Havre (IMO: 9307243, Port of Registry: Limassol, Cyprus) is a 336 metres long, 46 metres wide container ship with a deadweight tonnage of 102,200. She has a teu capacity of 9,580 and 700 reefers. The CSCL Le Havre is propelled by a 93,120 BHP MAN B&W engine, which gives the vessel a maximum speed of 24.7 kts. She was built in 2006 by Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea, is managed by Danaos Shipping Co., Greece and is operated by Allocean Maritime, London.

The CSCL Le Havre is expected to arrive later this afternoon at the ECT terminal, Rotterdam with a last port of call at Le Havre.

ARTHUR MAERSK

Today's SOTD is the Arthur Maersk (IMO:9260445, Port of Registry: Ronne, Denmark). This 'Series S' container vessel was built in 2003 by Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea and can carry a total number of containers of 9000. The ship is 352 meters long, 43 meters wide, has a deadweight tonnage of 109.000 and is currently sailing on the China - Europe route.

The Arthur Maersk has arrived this morning at the APM Terminal, Rotterdam with a last port of call at Bremerhaven.

CMA CGM DON CARLOS

The CMA CGM Don Carlos (IMO: 9305491, flag: Liberia) is a 8,204 teu capable vessel, delivered in June this year by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries. Its sister ship is the CMA CGM Parsifal which was SotD on June 27. The ship is 334 meters long, almost 43 meters wide and has a deadweight tonnage of 100,800. It is currently sailing on CMA-CGM's French Asia Line (FAL) which services a line between China and Europe.

The CMA CGM Don Carlos will enter Rotterdam this morning from Hamburg and will depart within 24 hours for Zeebrugge. Afterwards the vessel will visit Le Havre, Malta and will then set sail to China. The ship will visit Rotterdam again within two months.

RHINE FOREST

The Liberian flagged Rhine Forest (IMO: 7125706) is 237 meters long, 33 meters wide and has a draught of 12 meters. The vessel is a so called LASH ship. LASH, an acronym for Lighter Aboard SHip, vessels each carry about 82 LASH barges. The barges, all of a standard size with cargo capacity of 385 tons, are towed in ports and on inland waterways to various shipping points where they are loaded with cargo and then returned to the oceangoing vessel. They are hoisted aboard by a special shipboard gantry-type crane and transported overseas where the process is reversed. LASH ships do not require special docks or terminals.

The Rhine Forest is equipped with a 500-ton gantry crane to lift and stow 83 barges. Each barge is 18.26 meters long and 9.16 meters wide and has a capacity of 385 metric tons. She was built in 1972 by Cockerill Mechanical Industries, Belgium and is currently owned by LCI Shipholding Inc., New Orleans and managed by Central Gulf Lines Inc., New Orleans.

The Rhine Forest will enter the port of Rotterdam this morning and will berth at the Waalhaven for a few days. The vessel will then leave for New Orleans and will return to Rotterdam in 6 weeks for her last visit to Rotterdam!

For more great pictures of the Rhine Forest see the (Dutch) site of Peter Bolhuis: http://members.lycos.nl/scheepvaart/fourdescphotos3.html

ESTELLE MAERSK

The Estelle Maersk (IMO: 9321495, Port of Registry: Hellerup, Denmark) is, together with its sisters (amongst which are the 'Emma Maersk' and 'Eleonora Maersk'), the largest containership ever with a total teu capacity 11,000 teu (of which 1,000 forty foot reefer containers) according to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group. A total capacity of 13,500 teu is also possible when containers are not fully loaded. This capacity is possible by stacking the containers in 22 rows wide. Maersk calculates the teu capacity with loaded containers. The vessel is 397 meters long, 56 meters wide, has a depth of 30 meters and a deadweigth of 156,907 tons. Amazingly, all this size and capacity requires a crew of only 13. The specially designed Wärtsilä diesel engine delivers 80,000 kW. A waste heat recovery system is installed to optimise the use of the energy produced, so that the engine can deliver up to 90,000 kW. The vessels in this series will also establish new standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Environmentally-safe silicone paint, for example, is used on the hull, below the water line, reducing water resistance, and thereby fuel consumption, by 1,200 tons per year. The ship was built by Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd in 2006.

The Estelle Maersk is scheduled to arrive later this evening at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Algeciras. The vessel will then set sail for Bremerhaven on the APM AE1 line. She will return within about 7 weeks to Rotterdam.

KAZIMAH III

The Kazimah III (IMO: 9329693, Port of Registry: Safat, Kuwait) is a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) with a length of 333 metres, width of 60 metres, draught of 22 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 317,000. She was the first tanker of this type within the fleet renewal program of its owner Kuwait Oil Tanker Co. At present, KOTC operates about 25 vessels of which 8 VLCC's. The Kazimah III was built in 2006 by Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea.

Since the Suez Canal can currently only accommodate ships with draughts of up to 17.5 metres, the Kazimah III has to discharge some oil at the Ain Sukhna terminal on the Gulf of Suez. From there oil is transported by pipeline to Sidi Kerir Terminal on the Mediterranean, where the vessel loads it again for further transport. The Egyptian government plans to widen and deepen the Suez Canal, so that by 2010 it can accommodate VLCCs and ULCCs. In 2001, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) launched a 5-year program to reduce tanker transit times (from 14 hours to 11 hours) through the Canal. The SCA is also moving ahead with a project to widen and deepened the Canal to allow for transit of larger ships than the 200,000-dead-weight-ton maximum now.

The Kazimah III has entered the Port of Rotterdam this morning for loading at the Euro Tank Terminal (ETT), Rotterdam after discharging at Le Havre.

COSCO CHINA

Today's SotD is the Cosco China (IMO: 9305465, Port of Registry: Monrovia, Liberia), which is a container vessel of 335 meters long, 43 meters wide, and a teu capacity of 8,200. She is currently sailing for E.R. Schiffahrt Germany on the China - Europe loop.

The Cosco China is scheduled to arrive this afternoon at the ECT Delta Terminal, Rotterdam. She is expected to depart tomorrow evening with destination Felixstowe and is scheduled to return to Rotterdam within two months.

AUDACIA

Today's SotD is the recently converted pipelayer Audacia (IMO: 9305130, Port of Registry: Panama). The length of the Audacia including the stinger is 335 metres. She is 32 metres wide, is suited for installation of pipelines up to a diameter of 60 inches including coating, and is intended for operation in all water depths. The Audacia provides accomodation to a crew of 240. She was converted by Keppel Verolme, Rotterdam from a bulkcarrier to a an advanced offshore vessel earlier this year. The vessel is owned by the Swiss-based Allseas Group S.A. which is one of the major offshore pipelay and subsea construction companies in the world.

The Audacia arrived this morning at the Heerema location at the Calandkanaal, Rotterdam.

ELEONORA MAERSK

The Eleonora Maersk (IMO: 9321500, Port of Registry: Svendborg, Denmark) is, together with her sisters 'Emma Maersk', 'Estelle Maersk', 'Evelyn Maersk' and 'Ebba Maersk', the largest containership ever with a total teu capacity 11,000 teu (of which 1,000 forty foot reefer containers) according to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group. A total capacity of 13,500 teu is also possible when containers are not fully loaded. This capacity is possible by stacking the containers in 22 rows wide. Maersk calculates the teu capacity with loaded containers. The vessel is 397 meters long, 56 meters wide, has a depth of 30 meters and a deadweigth of 156,907 tons. Amazingly, all this size and capacity requires a crew of only 13. The specially designed Wärtsilä diesel engine delivers 80,000 kW. A waste heat recovery system is installed to optimize the use of the energy produced, so that the engine can deliver up to 90,000 kW. The vessels in this series will also establish new standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Environmentally-safe silicone paint, for example, is used on the hull, below the water line, reducing water resistance, and thereby fuel consumption, by 1,200 tons per year. The ship was built by Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd in 2006.

The Eleonora Maersk has arrived this morning at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Algeciras. Tomorrow, the vessel will set sail for Bremerhaven. She will return within two months to Rotterdam.

The Eleonora Maersk seen arriving at Rotterdam at January 24, 2007. Many thanks to Rene Nicolaes of Sea-Ships.com for the photo!

TRANSSHELF

The Transshelf (IMO: 8512279, Port of Registry: Willemstad) is a semi-submersible heavy transport carrier operated by the Dutch company Dockwise that is specialised in heavy transports. The submersible deck space of the Transshelf has a size of 40 x 132 meters. The Transshelf was build in 1987, is 173 meters long, 40 meters wide and has a standard draught of 8.8 meters when sailing and a maximum draught of 21 meters when submerged. She is propelled by two Wärtsila Vasa 18V32 engines of 6,750 kW each. Due to its submersible features the Transshelf is mainly deployed for marine transportation of drilling rigs and offshore platform components.

The Transshelf is scheduled to arrive later today at the Waalhaven where she will be prepared for an upcoming project for the US government near the city of Norfolk.

ENSCO 100

Today we have the jack-up oil rig Ensco 100 (IMO: 8752661, Port of Registry: Monrovia, Liberia) featuring as the Ship of the Day. The Ensco 100 has a size of about 90 x 90 meters, stands on 3 legs of 150 meters long, has a deck space of 3,800 square meter and provides accomodation to a maximum crew of 107. She can operate at a maximum depth of about 100 meter. She can survive at sea with weather conditions with winds of up to 100 knots. The rig was built in 1987 by UIE, Clydebank, UK and was upgraded in 2000 to its current proportions. She is owned by ENSCO Offshore Internation, Dallas, USA.

The Ensco 100 is scheduled to arrive later this evening at the Maasvlakte Offshore Put, accompanied by the tugs 'De Da' and 'Fairmount Alpine'. She is currently being moved from waters near Nigeria to the North Sea.

STENA ANTARCTICA

The Stena Antarctica (IMO: 9322827, Port of Registry: George Town, Cayman Islands) is quite unique since there are only a few ice class tankers with the dimensions this vessel has. The Stena Antarctica is 250 metres long, almost 44 metres wide and has a draught of almost 15 metres. These dimensions give the Aframax-dimensioned tanker a deadweight tonnage of 115,000. She was built this year by Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea, is currently owned by Moon Shipping Servicos e Navegacao Lda and is on a 10 year long timecharter for Progetra, Russia.

The Stena Antarctica arrived this afternoon at the Shell Europoort Terminal, Rotterdam from Primorsk, Russia.

CMA CGM MEDEA

The CMA CGM Medea (IMO: 9299800, Port of Registry: Marseille) is an in 2006, by Hyundai Heavy Industries built, Post-Panamax container vessel, capable of transporting 9400 teu. She is 349 metres long, almost 43 metres wide, has a maximum draught of about 15 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 107,000. But the CMA CGM Medea is a gentle giant with five passenger cabins. On board, guests can book a single or double room and enjoy the ship’s amenities including a lounge, gymnasium, pool and library along with meals at the captain’s table. Travelers seeking an uncommon cruise adventure between Asia and Europe need look no further. The CMA CGM Medea is the fourth of eight super mega container vessels deployed in the new European (FAL2) service jointly operated by CMA CGM and China Shipping. Her sisters are: CMA CGM Fidelio, Rigoletto and Norma.

The CMA CGM Medea will enter the Port of Rotterdam this afternoon where she will berth at the ECT Terminal. She will depart tomorrow with destination Hamburg.

TAKLIFT 7

The Taklift 7 (IMO: 7829273, Port of Registry: Rotterdam) is a seagoing floating sheerlegs vessel owned by SMIT Heavy Lift Europe. The sheerlegs has a length of 72 metres, is 30 metres wide and has a minimum sailing height of 49 metres. It has a propulsion of 3 x 460 kW and has two bow thrusters of 368 kW each. The longboom can reach a height of 160 metres above deck and has a lifting capacity of 1,200 tons.

The vessel was built in 1976 by HDW Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG, Kiel, Germany as the Hebelift 3. In 1994 the vessel was acquired by Smit and named Taklift 7.

The Taklift 7 will enter the port of Rotterdam this morning from Milford Haven, UK, where she was used for heavy lifting at a construction site for a new LNG terminal. On arrival the Taklift 7 will berth at the Waalhaven, Rotterdam.

VZMORYE

Today's SotD is the tug Vzmorye (IMO: 9380192, Port of Registry: Kaliningrad, Russia) which was built this year at Keppel Singmarine Shipyard, Singapore. The Vzmorye is an offshore support vessel with firefighting capabilities, currently owned by Lukoil-Kaliningradmorneft which is a subsidiary to Lukoil Oil Company, a leading Russian oil company with main activities in oil and gas exploration and production, and production and sale of petroleum products. She is propelled by two 2640 kW MAK engines and equipped with all the latest positioning systems. The vessel has a length of 65 meters, a width of 15 meters and a maximum speed of 13 knots.

The Vzmorye has arrived this morning at the Waalhaven Rotterdam where she will pick up the crane vessel 'Anna 4'.

COSCO HELLAS

The Cosco Hellas(IMO: 9308510, Port of Registry: Piraeus) is one of the largest container vessels nowadays, together with her sisters: Cosco Beijing, Cosco Ningbo, Cosco Yantian and Cosco Guangzhou. Only the in 2006 and 2007 built Maersk PS-class vessels (amongst which are the Emma Maersk, Estelle Maersk and Eleonora Maersk) and three in 2006 for CSCL built containervessels are larger in gross tonnage. The vessel is 350 metres long, almost 43 metres wide, has a deadweight tonnage of 107,000 and a teu capacity of 9,450. The Cosco Hellas is currently sailing on the AE1-loop which connects Asia and Europe.

The Cosco Hellas arrived this morning at the ECT Delta Terminal, Rotterdam, with the last port of call at Singapore. The vessel will leave tomorrow for Felixstowe, Hamburg and Antwerp before returning to the Far East.

XIN LOS ANGELES

Two years ago the Xin Los Angeles was the largest containervessel around. But since the launching of the Emma Maersk (which also arrives at the port of Rotterdam today), the vessel is 'just' one of the bigger ones. The Xin Los Angeles is 337 metres long, almost 46 metres wide and has a maximum draught of 15 metres. She can carry a maximum of 18 rows of containers by eight tiers on the weather deck and 16 rows by 10 tiers in the holds which gives the vessel a total capacity of 9,600 teu. The ship is propelled by a MAN B&W 12K98MC-C Mk6 engine, with a power of 68,520 kW. During sea trials the ship achieved a ballast service speed of 25.4 knots. The CSCL Pusan and Xin Shanghai are her sistervessels.

The Xin Los Angeles will enter the port of Rotterdam later this evening where she will berth at the ECT terminal.

BW FJORD

The BW Fjord (IMO: 8314471, Port of Registry: Panama) is an ore carrier built in 1987 by Ishikawajima do Brazil Estaleiros, Brasil as the Docefjord. She was renamed in 2000 to Berge Fjord and is named BW Fjord since 2007. The vessel is 332 metres long, 57 metres wide and has a maximum draught of over 23 metres and is currently operated by BW Gas, Norway. These dimensions give the vessel a deadweight tonnage of 310,000.

The BW Fjord arrived this morning at the EMO terminal Rotterdam carrying a load of iron ore from Tubarao, Brasil. She will stay there for about 5 days before leaving again to Tubarao. She will return then within about 6 weeks to Rotterdam.

ORIANA

The Oriana (IMO: 9050137, Port of Registry: Hamilton, Bermuda) is a cruiseship owned by P&O Cruises. The last time the Oriana visited Rotterdam.was september 2006. The cruiseship is 260 meters long, 32 meters wide and has a deadweight tonnage of 69,000. She has a maximum capacity of 1,928 passengers and a crew of 794. There are 10 decks that hold a total of 914 cabins, several bars and lounges, a casino, some shops, a health and beauty spa, four restaurants, a theatre and a cinema an art gallery and lots more. The Oriana entered service in April 1995 as the first cruise liner custom-built for the British cruise market. She is specifically designed and equipped to operate world voyages. And embodies the classic lines, comfort and ambience of traditional ocean liners.

She was the fastest cruise ship built for 25 years, with an operating speed of 24 knots. Her high speed and technically advanced hull enable Oriana to operate the best and most far-reaching itineraries worldwide.

The Oriana is currently sailing on her'Autumn Getaway' cruise, a 3-day cruise on which it visits Southampton, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge. After this cruise the Oriana will set sail from Southampton to the western Mediterranean to visit amongst others Barcelona, Cannes, Rome and Tunis.

The most recent webcam picture can be found here:

















Some pictures of the interior:

Suite interior	Standard cabin (without window) interior
Atrium	Art Gallery