Bergen’s Biggest Bulker
On 25 September 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 claimed to be the world’s most sophisticated open-hatch gantry-craned vessel.
MV Pelicana was delivered from Oshima Shipyard on July 22, and is operated by Westfal-Larsen Shipping AS, Bergen. The 212.5 m long vessel is owned by Masterbulk Private Limited, Singapore. 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. Pelicana made a smooth berthing, and held an official reception on schedule.
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.
“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. We have a long history of working with Wilhelmsen Ships Service, all around the world. “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.”