On-line supplement
to the Maritime Market magazine

Wilhelmsen Ships Service handles biggest ever bulk carrier in Bergen for Westfal-Larsen

Oct. 26, 2009 - The world's leading maritime service network Wilhelmsen Ships Service handled the arrival of MV Pelicana when she berthed at Bergen's inner port, the longest bulk vessel ever to do so. She is the world's most sophisticated open-hatch gantry-craned vessel and called at Bergen on 25th September.

MV Pelicana was delivered from Oshima Shipyard on July 22, and is operated by Westfal-Larsen Shipping AS, Bergen. Being on her maiden voyage, this was her first visit to her operator's home town, so it was important that Wilhelmsen Ships Service handled this port call smoothly.

"I had excellent cooperation from the Account Manager at Wilhelmsen Ships Service, Jan Nordvik" said Oivin Ask, Operations Manager for Westfal-Larsen. "We spent the week prior to the arrival planning the visit together, and covered every imaginable contingency in our preparations."

The port call was a good opportunity to celebrate and Wilhelmsen Ships Service's careful arrangements ensured that initial obstacles were overcome. This included arranging for a tug to assist the vessel in berthing and leaving port at the Master's request, despite her sophisticated manoeuvring capabilities. Construction of a scaffolding staircase was also arranged for the gangway from the ship, and coordination of security arrangements carried out for a company function and presentation. These services were supplied in addition to all normal port-call operations provide by Wilhelmsen Ships Service.

Pelicana made a smooth berthing, and held an official reception on schedule.

"We have a long history of working with Wilhelmsen Ships Service, all around the world," explained Oivin. "Apart from Bergen, we have extensive operations in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Wherever possible, we use a Wilhelmsen Ships Service ships agent. This is because they have standardised their port call operations around the world, so we get the same quality everywhere. Also, it is very convenient to have one organisation to contact, knowing that we have a reliable back-up from the head office in Oslo as well as from our Wilhelmsen Ships Service contact in Bergen. We receive all documentation and invoices from the same office."

The 212.5 m long vessel is owned by Masterbulk Private Limited, Singapore.

Photo: Capt Go of MV Pelicana in discussion with Wilhelmsen Ships Service agent Jan Havre

Please see Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) company electronic office

For further information, contact:
Ole Jakob Ytterdal
Head of Communications
Wilhelmsen Ships Service
Tel: +47 67 58 40 00
Mobile: +47 97 08 83 62
ole.j.ytterdal@wilhelmsen.com

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) is part of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services, a Wilh. Wilhelmsen group company. It has the world’s largest maritime services network, with 4,500 marine professionals servicing 2,200 ports in 125 countries.
Wilhelmsen Ships Service supplies safety products and services, Unitor products, Unicool refrigerants, Unitor and Nalfleet marine chemicals, maritime logistics and ships agency to the maritime industry. Last year the company made product deliveries to 25,000 vessels and handled 70, 000 port calls.

Company press releases

• Wilhelmsen and KONGSBERG establish world's first autonomous shipping company
• From parts to files: Wilhelmsen explores 3D printing with Ivaldi Group
• Wilhelmsen acquires Drew Marine Technical Solutions
• WSS innovation to revolutionise vessel boiler water dosing
• WSS partners with Turner Design to offer cost effective ballast water compliance tool