Marco-Seattle Awarded Cargo Ship Conversion

Sunmar Shipping, Inc. has awarded a contract to Marco-Seattle for the conversion of the M/V Sunmar Sea from a general cargo vessel to a modern refrigerated vessel to be used in the trade between Alaska and the U.S. West Coast.

According to Sunmar president Hans W. Mauritzen, the changeover is scheduled for completion in June.

The Sunmar Sea conversion plan calls for the construction of an entirely new and self-contained forebody that will replace the existing one. "We'll practically build a new vessel," commented Marco Shipyard Division vice president Bob McMahon, "including refrigeration and electrical systems, hydraulics, deck gear, and rigging. When this innovative conversion is finished, the entire vessel will satisfy the requirements for Det norske Veritas Class 1A1, KMC, the highest class for refrigerated vessels." The new forebody was designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle.

The "new" Sunmar Sea will feature a highly efficient refrigeration system designed to accommodate cargoes at any temperature from + 12 to —35 degrees (centigrade) in four separate compartments. The vessels will also be able to carry most cargoes typical of the trade in containers.

The conversion process will lengthen the Sunmar Sea from 170 to 190 feet, and her breadth will go from 27 to 34 feet. Her hold capacity will increase from 17,500 to 50,700 cubic feet, with a net cargo-carrying capacity of approximately 1,000 tons.

Sunmar Shipping, Inc. is an independent Seattle-based firm that specializes in the domestic and international ocean transporation of refrigerated cargoes, with particular emphasis on seafood products from Alaska. Among other activities, the company has operated its "Rainbow Reefer Service" for the past four years, offering regular break-bulk reefer transporation directly to major Northern European destinations from the high seas and various ports in Western Alaska and Puget Sound.

Marco-Seattle has been involved in shipbuilding for more than 30 years, and is well known for its large number of commercial fishing vessels ranging from 32 to 220 feet. For additional information on conversions and other shipyard services, Circle 95 on Reader Service Card

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