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Investment in Design Reefership Within A Containership By David Tinsley, technical editor Embodying a multi-tweendeck section for fresh farm produce in a hull other- wise given over to containers, a new generation of vessels for the Israeli fruit and vegetable trade could help shape the future of the palletized reefer sector. Highlighting the propensity for innova- tion and technological advance in Israel's export-minded agricultural industry, two 15,000-dwt newbuilds will combine the requisite capacity and qual- ity control for premium, perishable goods with a broader cargo carrying capability. While refrigerated cargo transporta- tion by sea is increasingly gravitating to the containerized mode, Tel Aviv-based marketeer and exporter Agrexco has blended its logistical preference for pal- letized reefer capacity with a vessel type offering greater cargo scope and flexi- bility over the long-term. This pragmatic approach to trading and shipping needs has resulted in a unique design, developed by the Ham- burg technical consultancy Schiffko with input from Agrexco, whereby a six- deck, reefer 'block' is built into a con- tainership hull. Known as the Flexcon 21, the 15,000-dwt type marries an approximate 465,000-cu. ft. bale reefer volume, of a similar order to that of many conventional reeferships, with a total box intake of about 880-TEU. The two newbuildings will be phased into a weekly service from Ashdod, in Israel, to Marseilles and Barcelona, con- veying palletized fruit and vegetables plus containers. On the return run from the western Mediterranean, the ships will earn revenue from shipping cars loaded in the reefer compartments, as AMSTEEL® BLUE THE PROVEN LEADER IN TRACTOR TUG APPLICATIONS The advent of tractor tugs permanently changed the industry by offering unparalleled maneuverability and power. The key to harnessing the tug's potential was the development of an ultra high-strength, lightweight ship assist line. 1 Samson Rope Technologies met this challenge with 1 the development of AmSteer-Blue and today it is still the industry standard aboard tractor tugs. AmSteer-Blue is an excellent example of Samson's ability to translate new fiber technologies into working solutions for tug and marine applications. It is just one more reason Samson is the strongest name in rope. TIE-UP WITH SAMSON. CHNDLOGIES RDP www.samsonrope.com 2090 Thornton Street, Ferndale, WA 98248 {T} 800.227-7673 / 360.384.4669 {F} 800.299.9246 / 360.384.0572 The Strongest Name In Hope Circle 276 on Reader Service Card www.maritimereporterinfo.com www.maritimereporterinfo.com Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
