KAZIMAH III

The Kazimah III (IMO: 9329693, Port of Registry: Safat, Kuwait) is a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) with its length of 333 metres, width of 60 metres, draught of 22 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 317,000. She is the first tanker to be received 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 also is 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 and is currently discharging at the MOT Terminal.

STENA ANTARCTICA

No 'real' photo of our Ship of the Day today, but since the Stena Antarctica (IMO: 9322827, Port of Registry: George Town, Cayman Islands) is quite unique because there are only a few ice class tankers with the dimensions this vessel has, we will settle with a drawing. 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 Antarcticais scheduled to arrive this afternoon at the TEAM Terminal, Rotterdam from Primorsk, Russia.

GEORG MAERSK

The Georg Maersk (IMO: 9320257, Port of Registry: Hellerup, Denmark) is a 367 meters long, 43 meters wide container vessel, capable of transporting up to 10,000 teu. The Georg Maersk was delivered in April 2006 by Odense Steel Shipyard, Denmark and was the last in a serie of six post-panamax container ships. Its sisters are: Gudrun Maersk, Gerd Maersk, Grete Maersk, Gunvor Maersk and Gjertrud Maersk. Until August 2006 these vessels were the largest container vessels sailing in dimensions. In August 2006 Maersk delivered the Emma Maersk, Estelle Maersk and Eleonora Maersk, which have taken over the leadership.

The Georg Maersk is currently sailing on the AE1 (Far East to Europe) loop and will enter Rotterdam later today from Felixstowe. The next destination of the vessel will be Bremerhaven, Germany. She will return to Rotterdam within 10 days.

ARCTIC SUNRISE

The Arctic Sunrise (IMO: 7382902, Port of Registry: Amsterdam, The Netherlands) is an ice-class vessel owned by Greenpeace. Ironically, before Greenpeace chartered the Arctic Sunrise it was once a seal hunting vessel. The Arctic Sunrise was built in 1975 by AS Vaagen Verft, Sweden as the Polarbjorn. She entered Greenpeace's fleet in 1996. At the end of 1996, Greenpeace had prepared the Arctic Sunrise for the icy conditions of Antarctica. The vessel is 50 metres long, 12 metres wide and has a gross tonnage of 949.
The Arctic Sunrise began its Greenpeace life during the Brent Spar campaign where it was used to prevent dumping oil installations at sea. In 1997 it became the first ship to circumnavigate James Ross Island in the Antarctic, which previously was an impossible journey until a 200m thick ice shelf connecting the island to the Antarctic continent collapsed. This was just one of the many signs of climate change which the Arctic Sunrise has helped document.

The Arctic Sunrise is scheduled to arrive later today at the Holland Amerikakade, Rotterdam.

FRONT COMANCHE

The Front Comanche (IMO: 9172674, Flag: France) is a VLCC built in 1999 by Hitachy Zosen, Japan and currently owned by Frontline tankers, Bermuda. The vessel is 333 metres long, 60 metres wide and has a maximum draught of 21 metres. These dimensions give the vessel a deadweight tonnage of over 300,000. Her main engine is a MAN / B&W vertical, 2 stroke, single action, direct reversible, crosshead type. She has 5 center tanks and 10 wing tanks which have a volume of 331 523 m3 at 98 %.

The Front Comanche has arrived last night at the MOT terminal, Rotterdam

ELEONORA MAERSK

The Eleonora Maersk (IMO: 9321500, Port of Registry: Svendborg, Denmark) is, together with its sisters 'Emma Maersk' and 'Estelle 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. 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. 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 Eleonora Maersk has arrived today at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Bremerhaven. Tomorrow, the vessel will set sail for Algeciras and the Far East on the APM AE1 line. She will return within about two months to Rotterdam.

The Eleonora Maersk arrived at Rotterdam (24-1-2007 12:47). Many thanks to Rene Nicolaes of Sea-Ships.com for the photo!

OAKLEAF

The RFA Oakleaf (IMO: 7915814, Port of Registry: Barrow, United Kingdom) is a fleet support tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary that keeps the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom running around the world. She was built in 1981 as the MV Oktania by A.B. Udevella, Sweden and added to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1986. As well as their role of replenishing warships at sea, support tankers perform the bulk movement of fuels between depots. While the ships can provide some food and stores support, their main cargoes are diesel and aviation fuel. The Oakleaf is capable of replenishing ships with fuel using a standard jackstay or derrick rig abeam and towed rig for astern replenishment. She is fitted to take containers on her main deck for the provision of stores and to enhance ship's stores capabilities for long deployments. The Oakleaf is 174 metres long, 32 metres wide, has a maximum draught of 11 metres and a cargo capacity of 40,000 cu m fuel. The vessel is armed with 2 7.62 mm machine guns.

The Oakleaf is scheduled to arrive later tonight at the Nerefco terminal, Rotterdam.

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 has entered the Port of Rotterdam this morning and is currently discharging at the ECT Terminal. She will depart tomorrow with destination Hamburg.

EAGLE VIRGINIA

Today's SotD is the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Eagle Virginia (IMO: 9230878, Port of Registry: Singapore). The Eagle Virginia is 333 metres long, 60 metres wide and has a maximum draught of 22.5 metres. These dimensions give the vessel a deadweight tonnage of 319,000. The ship was built in 2002 by Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea and is owned by American Eagle Tankers, Houston, USA. The Eagle Virginia's sisters are: Eagle Valencia, Eagle Venice, Eagle Vermont and Eagle Vienna, which were all built between 2002 and 2005.

The Eagle Virginia is scheduled to arrive later today at the MET terminal, Rotterdam.

GRACE N

Bulk carrier Grace N (Port of Registry: Monrovia, Liberia, IMO: 8118267) has a deadweight tonnage of 224.222, is 312 meters long, 50 meters wide and has a maximum draught of 20 meters. She has 9 holds and hatches and was built in 1983 by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Ind. Co., Japan. Until a year ago, the vessel was known as the Elbe Ore. Before that she was named the Frontier Maru. The Grace N is owned by General Ore Carrier Corporation IX and managed by Neu Seeschiffahrt GmbH, Hamburg, Germany.

The Grace N has arrived last night at the EMO Bulk Terminal, Rotterdam from Tubarao, Brasil carrying a shipment of coal.

ESTELLE MAERSK

The Estelle Maersk (IMO: 9321495, Port of Registry: Hellerup, Denmark) is, together with its sisters '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. 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. 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 will arrive this day at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Felixstowe. The vessel will then set sail for Bremerhaven, Gothenburg and Aarhus on the APM AE1 line. She will return within about 15 days to Rotterdam.

STELLANOVA

The Stellanova (IMO: 9085730, Port of Registry: Rotterdam) is a heavy load ship operated by Jumbo Shipping. She is, together with its 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 has arrived this morning at the Waalhaven, Rotterdam with the last port of call at Setúbal, Portugal.

COSCO NAPOLI

The Cosco Napoli (IMO: 9305489, Port of Registry: Monrovia, Liberia) is an in 2006 built container ship with a length of 335 metres, a width of almost 43 metres and a maximum teu capacity of 8,200. She has a deadweight tonnage of 101,500 and a maximum draught of 14.5 metres. The vessel was built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and is currently owned by E.R. Schiffahrt, Hamburg, Germany. The Cosco Napoli's sisters are: Cosco China and Cosco Germany.

The Cosco Napoli is currently deployed on Cosco's AE-1 loop between South-Eastern Asia and Europe. She is scheduled to arrive this afternoon at the ECT terminal, Rotterdam and will depart tomorrow with destination Felixstowe.

GJERTRUD MAERSK

The Gjertrud Maersk (IMO: 9197894, Port of Registry: Ringkøbing, Denmark) is a 367 meters long, 43 meters wide container vessel, capable of transporting up to 10,000 teu. The Gjertrud Maersk was delivered in December 2005 by Odense Steel Shipyard, Denmark and was then, together with its sisters, Gudrun Maersk, Gerd Maersk, Grete Maersk, Gunvor Maersk and Georg Maersk, the largest container vessel sailing. Since a few months the Emma Maersk, together with its sisters Estelle Maersk and Eleonora Maersk have taken over the leadership.

The Gjrertrud Maersk is currently sailing on the Japan/China - Europe line and will enter Rotterdam later this day from Bremerhaven. The next destination of the Gjertrud Maersk will be Algeciras, Spain. From there she will set sail for the Suez Canal and South-Eastern Asia. The Gjertrud Maersk is scheduled to return to Rotterdam in the first week of March.

COLOMBO EXPRESS

The Colombo Express (IMO: 9295244, Port of Registry: Hamburg) is one of the largest container vessels in the world. The vessel has a maximum teu capacity of 8,749 and 730 reefers. She is 335 metres long, is 43 metres wide and has a deadweight tonnage of 103,800. She is owned by the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, and operated by the Hapag-Lloyd Container Line division. Built in Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2004-2005, she was christened on 11 April 2005. The Colombo Express operates on Hapag Lloyd's EU-3 loop between Asia and Europe in 56-day round-trips.

The Colombo Express is scheduled to arrive later this afternoon at the ECT terminal, Rotterdam with the last port of call at Hamburg. After (dis)charging, the vessel will depart for Port Kelang, Malaysia.

HEDWIG OLDENDORFF

Today's Ship of the Day is the Hedwig Oldendorff (IMO: 8015697), which is scheduled to arrive later this evening from Seven Islands, Canada at the EECV terminal , Rotterdam for discharging iron ore.

This under Liberian flag sailing bulk carrier was built in 1984 by Hyundai Heavy Industreis, has a deadweight of about 150.000 tons and contains 9 holds and hatches. The ship is 281 meters long, 53 meters wide and has a maximum draught of 15 meters. She is owned by Oldendorff Carriers Gmbh & Co, Germany.

EMMA MAERSK

The Emma Maersk is, together with its sisters 'Estelle 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 . 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 by Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd in 2006.

The Emma Maersk will arrive at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Felixstowe later this day. The vessel will then set sail for Bremerhaven, Gothenburg and Aarhus on the APM AE1 line. She will return within about 10 days to Rotterdam.

TRANSSHELF

The Transshelf (IMO: 8512279, Port of Registry: Willemstad) is a semi-submersible heavy transport carrier owned 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. 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 Maasvlakte carrying the jack-up drilling rig Maersk Guardian (IMO: 8415770, year of built: 1986) from Melbourne, Australia after a two month voyage.

COSCO YANTIAN

Today the Cosco Yantian will have the honour to appear as Ship of the Day. The Cosco Yantian (IMO: 9305594, Port of Registry: Piraeus, Greece) is one of the largest container vessels nowadays, together with its sisters: Cosco Hellas, Cosco Ningbo, Cosco Beijing and Cosco Guangzhou. Only the in 2005 and 2006 built Maersk S-class vessels and three in 2006 for CSCL built containervessels are larger. 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 9,450. The Cosco Yantian is currently sailing on the AE1-loop which connects Asia and Europe. She will arrive later today 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.

BERGE NORD

Today's SotD is the Berge Nord (IMO: 9127150) which is scheduled to arrive later this evening at the EECV bulk terminal in Rotterdam from Seven Islands, Canada carrying iron ore. From Rotterdam the iron ore is transported in barges to the steel mills of ThyssenKrupp and Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann in Germany.

The Berge Nord has a deadweight tonnage of 218,000, a draught of almost 19 meters and has seven holds and hatches. The ship was built in 1997 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea and is owned by Bergesen Worldwide Shipping. This 305 meters long, 53 meters wide bulk carrier is the biggest ship to enter the Arctic sea. Other vessels owned by Bergesen and visiting the EECV terminal regurlarly are: Berge Stahl, Bergeland, Berge Arctic and Berge Pacific.

MSC MARIA ELENA

The MSC Maria Elena 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.