Posted on January 11, 2023
In our December issue, we published our “Distinctive Deliveries” feature, recognizing a unique variety of vessels delivered in 2022. Here’s what made the list:
Ever Alot
World’s largest containership
Evergreen Marine Corporation became the new holder of “the world’s largest containership” title with its 24,000 TEU Ever Alot, which was delivered by China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd. The containership measures 399.99 meters in length and 61.5 meters in width.
Ever Alot
It was the first of four new A-Class box ships set to join the Evergreen fleet from the shipyard. Some cynics may be pondering how many tugs and dredges it would take to move the ship should it follow the example of Ever Given and Ever Forward and get stuck somewhere inconvenient, but one thing Ever Alot required a lot of was paint.
That was good news for Nippon Paint Marine. It supplied coating systems to all four of the 24,000 TEU A-Class sisterships being built at Hudong-Zonghua, with its extensive scope of supply including its A-LF Sea antifouling system.
Clean Canaveral and Polaris
Latest in U.S. LNG bunkering infrastructure
Polaris
Coden, Ala.-based shipbuilder Master Boat Builders, Inc/delivered the new 4,000 horsepower tug Polaris to Polaris New Energy in March 2022. The delivery was the latest development in the expansion of the U.S. LNG bunkering infrastructure. Paired with the 5,500-cubic-meter bunkering barge Clean Canaveral, the two vessels form the largest Jones Act-compliant articulated tug barge (ATB) providing LNG bunker fuel in the U.S.
“Master Boat Builders is committed to producing the most dependable and reliable tugs in the Maritime Industry, and we thank Polaris New Energy, LLC for giving us the opportunity to prove it,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “Polaris will be used to its full potential, helping fuel the cruise ship industry’s new LNG-powered ships when they arrive in Port Canaveral later this year.” McAllister Towing LNG Services LLC will operate the Polaris/Clean Canaveral ATB when it starts providing LNG bunkering services.
MV Zephyr
Final towboat in a series delivered to Kirby
MV Zephyr
C&C Marine and Repair, Belle Chasse, La. delivered the 6,600-horsepower triple-screw towboat M/V Zephyr, the final vessel in a series of three, to Kirby Inland Marine LP earlier this year. Kirby is leasing all three towboats from Nashville, Tenn.-based Hines Furlong Line Inc. The triple-screw 6,600-hp towboat measures 170- by 50-feet with a pilothouse eyeline height of 39 feet, 3 inches.
The towboat was designed by CT Marine LLC, of Portland, Maine. It is powered by three Cummins QSK60-M main engines, provided by Cummins Mid-South, that are paired with three Reintjes WAF 1173 H/V reduction gears, provided by Karl Senner LLC. The service power is provided by three Cummins QSM11-DM, 275 kW generators, and the conventional steering system hydraulic power unit was provided by EMI Marine.
The vessel is outfitted with three 100-inch diameter stainless-steel fixed pitch propellers, provided by Sound Propeller Systems Inc., and features a double steering rudder system. The accommodations include a total of twelve beds (11 crew, plus 1 guest), and the vessel’s design includes a floating, spring mounted superstructure for additional crew comfort.
MV Dorado
Fastest ferry in WETA’s fleet
MV Dorado
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), which operates the San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet, took delivery of the M/V Dorado in June 2022. It’s the fastest vessel in WETA’s fleet with a service speed of 36 knots and is also the first boat built for WETA that can safely dock at any of the system’s 12 ferry terminals.
The 320-passenger catamaran is the first in a series of four ordered by WETA from the Mavrik Marine shipyard in La Conner, Wash., and was designed by Australia’s One2three Naval Architects with construction management services being provided by Aurora Marine Design of San Diego. WETA plans to rotate the vessel among its routes to collect operational data and allow passengers across the ferry system to experience the boat. The vessel offers expansive outdoor passenger space to allow more riders to experience a fresh-air trip across the Bay.
“WETA is building a world class ferry system for the Bay Area and adding new vessels like M/V Dorado helps us get there,” said Jim Wunderman, Chair of the WETA Board of Directors. “This American-made ferry enhances the capacity of our fleet and provides additional flexibility for our operations, helping ensure we run the system as efficiently as possible. It also happens to be a beautiful ferry. We thank our local, state and federal partners for their investment in San Francisco Bay Ferry service.”
“We’re so grateful to our partners for helping us build out the San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet and system,” said Vice Chair Monique Moyer. “Ferry ridership is on the upswing. Our ability to serve those passengers relies on investment in new vessels and terminals and support for our highly skilled maritime labor force. M/V Dorado is another step toward building our ferry system out to its full potential while enhancing WETA’s emergency response capabilities.”
M/V Dorado is the ninth U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 or Tier 4 equivalent passenger ferry in WETA’s fleet.
