USA: Safmarine Holds Naming Ceremony for MPV Sahara

Steamship company Safmarine held a naming ceremony in Savannah for its newest vessel, the Sahara, last Friday. Built at the Wuhu Xinlian Shipyard in China, the ship is Safmarine’s second newly-built multi-purpose vessel (MPV), which allows the service to handle both containerized and break bulk cargo.

“We are pleased they have chosen to celebrate with us the addition of this versatile vessel to their fleet,” said Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis Foltz. “Ocean carriers like Safmarine help to make the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal an important gateway to global trade for the U.S.”

Safmarine CFO Rob Harrison said the flexibility of the company’s MPV fleet sets Safmarine apart. “Our investment in new vessels allows us to meet our customers’ requirements and partner more closely with them. The Sahara is one of three vessels in Safmarine’s Corex service, which calls on Savannah once a month.”

The vessel’s “godmother,” Anita Edmondson, Director of International Logistics at M-I SWACO, officially bestowed the vessel’s name at the event on Savannah’s riverfront Friday. “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”. Houston-based M-I SWACO supplies specialized equipment to the drilling industry, and is a Safmarine customer.

Safmarine Sahara Specifications

DWT: 17 991

Draft: 8.60 m

LOA: 161.50 m

Beam: 25.20 m

GT: 14859

Nominal teus: 1047

Gear nr. Tons 3×80 (150)

Maximum speed: 17.00 knots

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, February 13, 2012.