Vehicle carrier and logistics specialist Wallenius Wilhelmsen has implemented a vessel upgrading project entailing the retrofit of a new form of bulbous bow. The scheme promises average fuel savings of at least 6% and a corresponding cut in the recipient ship’s CO₂ emissions by 1,400t per annum.

Marking the completion of the first phase of the programme, the 7,620 CEU-capacity PCTC Aniara re-entered service last month after foreship rebuild in China. Installation of the prefabricated, replacement bow section was accomplished within the anticipated three-week drydocking timeframe at the Zhoushan premises of repair yard IMC-Yongyue.

Similar enhancements are being made to three more units of the fleet, the Oberon, Tijuca and Tirranna, all of the same class completed in 2008/2009.