The Mark V vessel is the newest and largest roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel in the world, measuring at 265 m long and 32.26 m wide. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan, delivered the first of this type of vessel (in a series of four) in the first half of 2011; these vessels were seen working within Australian ports in July 2011.

The Mark V boasts more than 50,000 square metres in deck area, up to 5–7 per cent more capacity than the Mark IV vessel. It has a 12 metre-wide stern ramp with a weight capacity of 500 tonnes, extending the vessel’s capabilities for heavier cargo as compared with the previous generation RoRo’s 380 tonne capacity. The clear height of the main deck is 7.1 m, significantly increasing versatility of the vessel too.

The vessel contains three hoistable decks which can be lowered and raised to provide maximum flexibility and utilisation. These are operated by electrical winches on board the vessel. Each new build, including the Mark V, has installed a state-of-the-art water ballast treatment system, which helps to prevent the transfer of invasive species in foreign areas.

The Mark V also uses the latest-technology and innovative design features to reduce sulphur dioxide and CO2 emissions by 5–6 per cent, and nitrogen oxides by around 3 per cent, reducing its environmental impact.

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Wallenius Wilhemsen Logistics (WWL) has also invested in certified stanchions that lock into the roll trailer, which now enables the carriage of loose pipe on its RoRo vessels. This is an example of WWL’s ability to offer a solution to the market to transport small to medium size parcels of pipe. This will ensure that WWL can transport this type of cargo without having to bundle or deliver alongside under hooks.

WWL can offer custom-handling equipment that is required to transport and roll any cargo on and off its vessels, while ensuring the safest and most efficient way of moving cargo.