The official delivery of the “South Enabler” — which also serves ports in Germany — marks a significant milestone in the integration of Mann Lines into Wallenius SOL. This event represents the provisional completion of the shipping company’s acquisition.
The Scandinavian joint venture between the Wallenius Group and Swedish Orient Lines (SOL) has taken over the newly built RoRo from the shipyard in Italy.
In the final weeks after the sea trials, the last remaining work was carried out and the ship is now sailing for Wallenius SOL and should soon be seen on the German coast.
In a social media post, Wallenius SOL speaks of a “new chapter” in European shipping following the takeover of shipping company Mann Lines announced in February. The customer base and presence in important markets could thus be expanded.
A new ship already under construction was also taken over as part of the takeover. The RoRo freighter was officially handed over during its westbound passage near Gibraltar.
Wallenius will be christened with the name “South Enabler”
“She will be christened ‘South Enabler’ and will replace ‘Freyja’ on the Tilbury-Cuxhaven-Turku-Paldiski-Bremerhaven-Tilbury route,” said Henrik Karle, Chief Operating Officer of Wallenius SOL. After the handover, it will first go to Zeebrugge to load cargo and then enter regular liner service for the first time. At the same time, the “Freja” – chartered like the “South Enabler” – will be returned to its owners. The shipyard belongs to the Visentini family group of companies – as does Visemar, which is the owner of the newbuild.
The “South Enabler” is 203.4 m long and is powered by two 7,200 kW Wärtsilä engines that run on methanol and can reach a maximum speed of 22 knots. The ship is Rina-classed and built according to ice class 1A standards. There are two separate vehicle decks on board with capacity for a total of 197 vehicles as well as capacity for handling “a wide range of cargoes”, including LoLo, RoRo and heavy lift.
Built by the Visentini shipyard and designed by NAOS Ship and Boat Design, the “South Enabler” will sail under the Italian flag, initially on a five-year charter for Wallenius SOL. “By deciding to have the ship built in Europe, Mann Lines has not only ensured compliance with the highest environmental and technical standards, but has also helped to preserve regional shipbuilding expertise,” Karle continues.
