Samskip / Van Dieren Maritime to invest in 270 new 45ft containers

27.2.2004

The containers will partly replace some of the existing fleet of 12,70 and 13,60 containers. Samskip / Van Dieren Maritime strongly believe in this type of 45ft in the short-sea business. This investment should be seen as a first step in having a major part of 45ft units in the total Nordic and Baltic Fleet.

As these units are so called trailer-replacing units (able to carry at least 33 euro pallets) with a volume of 90 m³ the competition to the road hauliers should be even more frequently in favour of short-sea carriers. Furthermore the containers will be built of light steel (gross weight only 4.200 kgs) enabling even more cargo weight to be loaded. This being especially important for the Russian trade.

The units will be used especially on the short-sea route Holland - UK - Sweden - Riga - Russia and on the recently started railway between Herne (D) and Almhult (S). If needed also on other lanes these units can be booked.

All units will be built in China and first deliveries will be made in beginning of June. As a provider the company Unit45 is used for this first series of containers. Currently negotiations are going on regarding the purchase of another 200 45ft units for delivery September this year.

The total fleet of the Samskip group is around 6000 units.