Japan’s ocean carrier Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (”K” Line) plans to use some of its 7,500-unit size RORO car carriers currently under construction to transport Hitachi rail cars from Japan to the UK.
”K” Line has signed a contract with Vantec HTS Forwarding, part of Hitachi Transport System Group, to transport Hitachi rail cars for IEP (Intercity Express Programme).
These IEP rail cars will be loaded onto new ”K” Line car carriers from the Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu, located near Hitachi’s Kasado plant, and will be discharged at the nearest port on the east coast of the UK to Newton Aycliffe, where Hitachi is constructing the train plant for these rail cars. The transportation of rail cars to the UK will start in July.
”K” Line ordered a total of 10 vessels of this series of 7,500-unit size. The first vessel will be rolled out in July 2015. The company says that these new vessels provide a 20% more car-carrying capacity, as well as much more space for High & Heavy cargo, including construction machinery.