Vistula-Maersk

Vistula Maersk, first in the series of Seago Line’s new ice-class vessels designed for harsh weather conditions and icey waters and recently started operation on one Seago Line's North European routes has been named Danish Ship of the Year 2018 by Maritime Denmark Media Group, Maersk said in a press release. New ice-class vessels have features that improve cargo flexibility, including a wide beam concept that allows better distribution of containers on board, 600 reefer plugs or solutions for increasing stowage flexibility. They offer improved network flexibility by allowing year-round operation in cold climate. Sheltered forecastle deck reduces dependency on ice-breakers or convoy availability and improves crew safety. Flexible fuel change system allows easy change to low-sulphur fuel, which is compliant with Emission Control Areas. Vistula also has many features that improve overall efficiency, such as hull form and propulsion system optimised for high fuel efficiency, or various energy and CO2 saving initiatives. Maritime Denmark points out that although Vistula Maersk has been built in China, the ship has a distinctive Danish flair. Apart from the vessel herself being designed by Danish designers, several significant Danish subcontractors have contributed to the ship's equipment, including MAN Diesel and Turbo, DESMO Oceanguard, Wärtsilä-Lyngsø, Hempel, NOVENVCO, Grundfoss, Agrometer and Viking. Vistula also won the award due to her innovative green design, built to reduce Co2 emissions and increase fuel efficiency.

Seago Line, Maersk’s intra-European short sea carrier, has introduced new vessels to its North Europe feeder link between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and St. Petersburg, Russia. The next vessel in series will be Volga Maersk, which will be committed to serving the Russian market. In the Russian Baltics, where harsh winters and icy waters pose challenges for container shipping, ice-class vessels bring a very important value proposition to the market. Seago Line, the intra-Europe and short-sea carrier within Maersk, has recently taken delivery of Vistula Maersk, the first in its series of vessels purpose-built to serve the North Sea and Baltic Sea. After successful trials, the vessel is now operating on the carrier’s feeder connection between The Netherlands and Russia and has made her maiden call to Petrolesport and First Container Terminal in St. Petersburg on April 20, 2018.