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The basic concept for the Trafexpress-vessels is to double the capacity for
containers, which are carried as Lo-Lo in separate compartments fore and aft, with
Ro-Ro cargo under the deck. The bow section has a hatch less container hold with
movable cell guides for combinations of 20, 40 and 45 feet containers in four
different compartments housing in total 192 TEU. On the aft deck containers are
carried four high in movable cell guides for 20, 40 and 45 feet units, giving in total
of 150 TEU. The cell guides can also be stowed well aft, making the deck available
for Ro-Ro cargo via an access from the trailer deck under the superstructure. The
mid-part of the upper deck can also be used for conventional Lo-Lo handling of
containers, giving a total capacity of 639 TEU in all three sections. Access to the
holds is provided through a wide stern ramp extending the full width of the vessel.
From the stern ramp there is direct access to the main deck and to the other three
decks via fixed ramps in order to considerably speed up the loading and
discharging in ports. The concept of loading and discharge in only one day has
been very successful, and feedback from both port operators and from customers
has been very positive. By using three container cranes handling speeds of 90+
containers/hour has so far been reached in both Hamina and Antwerp.