'We couldn't find a better fit for the trade'
CHRISTENSEN CANADIAN African Lines has upgraded its fleet on the South Africa - Canada route with the acquisition of three modern ro-lo Astrakan type vessels which it believes are ideally suited to the trade.
This month will see the arrival of the Thorshope, to be followed shortly by the Thorslake.
"We introduced the Thorsriver, a Mark III type Astrakan vessel, to the service two years ago," CCAL general manager in South Africa, Mike Renard, told FTW. "It was altogether a positive experience for CCAL and its shippers and led to the decision to add two sister ships, while phasing out the ageing multi-purpose Thorscape and Thor 1," he said.
The three vessels are ice-strengthened and equipped to navigate the St Lawence and Montreal in winter.
"A key feature of the newcomers is a stern quarter ramp which allows for efficient and safe handling of mobile cargo on a roll-on roll-off basis, a capability much favoured by shippers of wheeled commodities such as agricultural combines, tractors and mining equipment," he added.
The vessels' on-board cranes are able simultaneously to work bulk and breakbulk cargo.
In addition the lower holds are well suited for carrying heavy bulk and breakbulk cargoes while each vessel is equipped with five cranes capable of lifts up to 90mt when working in tandem.
CCAL has served the SA - North America route for half a century.
One of three Astrakan type vessels now plying theSA - North America route.
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