Photo by meghan erkkinen
TALL SHIP. The M/V Fidelio made its maiden call to the Port of Tacoma Nov. 29. The auto-carrying vessel is 747 feet long and carries 8,000 cars – two times more than most auto ships coming through Tacoma.
There's a bigger ship in town.
The Port of Tacoma welcomed the newest automobile ship to visit the city Nov. 29. The M/V Fidelio, a Willenius Lines ship, is 747 feet long and carries 8,000 cars – twice the size of the typical auto ships that call at the port. The ship has 13 car decks.
"It is very exciting to have Willenius' newest vessel here in Tacoma," said Port Commissioner Clare Petrich, who presented a plaque to the captain, commemorating the ship's maiden call in Tacoma.
"As our port's breakbulk cargo and auto volumes continue to grow, it is wonderful to see our customers making substantial investments like this in our business," Petrich added. "We are proud to host the Fidelio and proud to have Willenius as our customer."
The ship arrived the evening of Nov. 29 and departed for Japan about 24 hours later. Tacoma was just one of the vessel's many stops on its maiden voyage. It also visited Germany, Belgium, England, Nova Scotia and California after it was christened in Yokohama, Japan, Sept. 20.
In Tacoma, the ship unloaded construction and heavy equipment for use in the region and loaded construction equipment, agricultural equipment and automobiles to export to Japan.
Unlike many cargo ships that travel back and forth across one ocean, the M/V Fidelio will travel around the world, making stops in Europe, Asia, North America, South Africa and Australia, according to the ship's captain, Lars Falkenburg.
In addition to its size, the M/V Fidelio is unique from other auto ships in a variety of ways. For one, it allows the captain a 360-degree view while navigating the ship. The M/V Fidelio is also unique in its energy conservation.
"By increasing capacity and with the same amount of fuel we carry the cars cheaper" and in a more environmentally conscious way, Falkenburg said.
The ship was designed with the environment in mind. In addition to state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious technology, the ship is equipped with one of the world's first approved water treatment system.
There is something else that is different about this ship. "It's quite unique for shipping companies to put so much effort into the crew and the living quarters," Falkenburg said.
Indeed, the ship's crew is afforded a comfortable dining and lounge area. There are plants and paintings to add to the interior ambiance.
The M/V Fidelio is manned by about 10 Swedish officers and 21 crewmembers, who are mostly Filipino.
The M/V Fidelio will visit Tacoma about once a month, Falkenburg estimated.
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