Ships of the Mitsui OSK Line (otherwise known as MOL) always seem to look good. We don't see as many of them in Halifax as we once did because their container line has merged into the Ocean Network Express (ONE) along with the other major Japanese container lines (NYK and K-Line).
MOL's Auto Carrier Express (ACE) ships remain separate and they do call in Halifax regularly, and as usual they always look well maintained. Today's arrival, the Marvelous Ace was no exception.
Imabari Zosen built the Marvelous Ace in 2006 and it comes in at 59,161 gt, 19,401 dwt with a capacity (variously reported) of 6141 standard CEU. Despite its age, and last regulatory drydocking many years ago, its colours still look fresh. (The white marks on the hull near the waterline locate push points for tugs.)
The ship has made an interesting circuit since its last visit in Halifax April 6 of this year (bad weather - no photo). It had arrived from Sparrows Point, Maryland and returned to the same port, then went on to Freeport, TX and Veracruz, MX on April 19. It was next reported April 29 at Sparrows Point again. (Volkswagen operates its own import facility at Sparrows Point, in the Port of Baltimore, processing 120,000 cars a year.)
On May 1 it made a brief call in Davisville, RI and apparently crossed the Atlantic to Emden, loaded (for Volkswagen) and sailed directly back to Halifax.
According to the order sheet, the ship will remain in port over night and is due to sail late tomorrow afternoon. Judging by the number of VW (and family) cars and mini vans already on the ground at Autoport, the company must be anticipating a very good sales year - at least in Canada.
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