The Safmarine Sahara – Safmarine’s second newly-built, owned multi-purpose vessel (MPV) – was officially named on Friday (February 10, 2012) in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
The vessel, built at the Wuhu Xinlian Shipyard in China in 2010, is currently deployed on Safmarine’s MPV trade between North America and West Africa.
Mrs Anita Edmondson, Director of International Logistics at M-I SWACO , had the honour of naming the vessel. “I am delighted to be the Godmother of this new vessel, which is a symbol of Safmarine’s long-term commitment to the MPV trade and to supporting our business.”
SCL’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Rob Harrison said:
“MPV is a Safmarine differentiator and our investment in new vessels not only allows us to meet our customer’s requirements and partner more closely with them, but it also tells them we are here to make the difference – and that we are prepared to invest in making that difference.”
The vessel’s Godmother, Mrs Edmondson, and Safmariner, Pilar Maurial, also chose to celebrate the naming of the new vessel by making a difference. Mrs Edmondson donated 1 500 USD to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Federation (JDRF) in honour of the occasion, while Ms Maurial, the 2011 winner of Safmarine’s Customer Recognition Award, donated her 3000 USD prize money to The International Seamen’s House.
Safmariners and customers were present at Friday’s naming, which was made possible with the assistance and generous support of the Georgia Ports Authority.
The naming of the new MPV vessel also coincided with the delivery of Safmarine’s first new WAF MAX container vessel, the Safmarine Chilka.
“The Safmarine Chilka is the first of three new containerships in our colours and livery this year. All three vessels have been purpose-built for the trade with Africa and are examples of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group’s commitment to growing both the Safmarine brand and the trade with Africa,” Grant Daly, Safmarine CEO , said.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, February 21, 2012; Image: Safmarine