Sumitomo Corporation has arranged the manufacturing and outfitting of the world’s first long rail transport vessel. The ship will be used for transport of 150 m long steel rails manufactured by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC) at its Yawata Works facility.
For many years, Sumitomo Corporation has supplied steel rails manufactured by NSSMC to users worldwide. These rails are highly resistant to wear and surface defect, and are the only rails in the world that are rolled/produced in 150 m length.
However, the structural limitations of vessels used for exporting long rails require it be cut and shipped in six components. The vessel, with its epoch-making new structure will make it possible to transport long rails in their original length and thereby contribute to further stability of track, in addition to the reduction in track maintenance by the decrease in the welds in railway operations.
Due to be completed in August 2014, the ship will be about 190 m in total length, with a deadweight tonnage of 23,000 tons, and will be outfitted with a 155 m hold and three cranes.
It is being built by Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co., Ltd., a leader in building a wide variety of vessel types.
[mappress] April 23, 2014