MACS brings on new multi-purpose vessel

Maritime Carrier Shipping recently christened a new addition to its f leet – which is good news for project cargo and breakbulk shippers. The arrival of the Golden Karoo in Cape Town harbour earlier this month on its maiden voyage was celebrated with much fanfare when it was christened and named by Dr Fiona Scheder-Bieschin, wife of MACS managing director Felix Scheder- Bieschin. The Golden Karoo is one of four sister ships and brings the company’s f leet to thirteen of which nine are owned. The general cargo vessel was built in China and adapted to suit South African market conditions. It is 200 metres long and 30 metres wide with 60-ton cranes that can operate separately for quick handling of containers, bulk or breakbulk cargo. They can also be combined to carry heavy lifts weighing up to 240 tons. Other features include an increased number of reefer plugs and multipurpose pontoons that can also be used as vertical cargo separations. CAPTION A choir sings at the christening of the Golden Karoo in the Port of Cape Town recently while the crew looks on.