Bahri Abha - brand new for Saudis

The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia, now trading under the name Bahri, brought in the first of its new ConRos today, and a spectacular ship it is.
Designed by Knud E. Hansen and built by Hyundai MipoDockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, the 50,714 gross ton ship is a bit of departure for NSCSA. Their previous 1982-83 era ConRos had a container capacity of 2310 TEU whereas the new ships carry only 364 TEU. RoRo capacity has been increased considerably to 24,000 m2 reflecting the realities of trade with Saudi. Halifax cargo usually involves fleets of military LAVs, and US loaded cargo involves lots of cars and SUVs. The new ships carry two 240  tonne heavy lift cranes for project cargoes,(the previous ships were gearless), and are painted blue, replacing the previous green, as part of the re-branding to Bahri. Dimensions are :220m x 32.3m x 9.5 m max draft. Deadweight is 26,000 tonnes.

The first ship, Bahri Abha, replaces Saudi Abha which last called here December 10, 2012 and has now been sent to the scrappers in Alang, India. Bahri Abha was handed over by Hyundai in January, and after a lengthy trials trip it was accepted February 5. Among the new features is a clean burning Wartsila slow speed Tier II compliant main engine and efficient integrated flap type rudder and propeller.

 The Danish designers, Knud E. Hansen, have designed many fine looking ships over the years, specializing in ferries, among them the Canadian Caribou and Joseph and Clara Smallwood of blessed memory.
Three more new Bahris will be delivered during the next 12 months.
The ships have an ambitious multi-stop rotation beginning in Baltimore (import), Houston, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington NC, Baltimore (export), New York, Halifax, then via the Med to Jeddah (eastbound), Jebel Ali, Dammam, Mesaieed, Mumbai, Mudrah, Jeddah (westbound), Livorno.

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