8 November 2021
After departing our Port of Albany last month, new woodchip vessel MV Southern Hope V1 has completed her maiden voyage, receiving a warm welcome at the Port of Nantong and a special plaque from Southern Ports Authority and the City of Albany to mark her auspicious milestone.
It is a tradition for ships to receive a plaque, which was handed over by Hall's Shipping Managing Director Fred Pullella, who said the captain 'highly appreciated' the recognition.
Carrying 21 crew including the Master, the MV Southern Hope V1 is an 'eco ship' and uses 15 per cent less fuel than previous woodchip carriers, thanks to her improved stern and propeller design, which reduces drag.
Like her sister ship Southern Ace, MV Southern Hope V1 was built by Japanese company Oshima Ship Building. She can hold 4.3 million cubic feet of volume, or approximately 52,000 green metric tonnes depending on the woodchips' moisture level.
Before her departure, Albany Bulk Handling loaded MV Southern Hope V1 with woodchips from local exporter, APEC. Local woodchip companies are expected to export one million tonnes of woodchips from our Port of Albany next year.
Ship watchers can get a glimpse of the 209.96m long MV Southern Hope V1 when she returns to our Port of Albany on November 25.
For updates on ship arrivals in Albany, visit https://www.southernports.com.au/albany