The maiden voyage of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines’ M/V Thallata, a high efficiency Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) HERO class vessel, marked the beginning of a new era for the Port of Hueneme. A new, larger class of vessels identified as Post Panamax, based on the historic width of the Panama Canal can now access the Port benefiting the local economy and supporting the Port’s environmental agenda.
The M/V Thallata, measuring almost 200 metres long and 36.5 metres wide, is one of the greenest vessels in the global Ro-Ro fleet. Thallata is fitted with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System that reduces Sulphur emissions to below 0.1 percent in compliance with clean air regulations and removes 70 percent of particulate matter, which also significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. Using a new scrubber-based technology, the vessel generates a steam-based release at berth instead of diesel exhaust.
Kristin Decas, Port CEO and California Association of Port Authorities President stated, “We appreciate the business ethic of our customers as they strive to green their fleets and build market share for our Port, thereby achieving environmental benefit coupled with the creation of good jobs. We are proud that the high caliber customer of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines calls Port Hueneme home.”
Thalatta’s sister ship, Themis, is anticipated to arrive at the Port of Hueneme this September.