Friday, April 20, 2018

New Car Carrier Calls at San Diego

By Karen Robes Meeks

Earlier this month, the Port of San Diego and Pasha Automotive Services saw a new car-carrying vessel dock at the National City Marine Terminal.

The M/V Beluga Ace from MOL ACE (Auto Carrier Express), arrived from the Port of Nakanoseki, Japan, loaded with 2,487 Mazdas picked up from the ports of Nakanoseki and Hiroshima, Japan.

Constructed at the Minaminippon Shipbuilding Company in Oita, Japan, the “FLEXIE” Class Beluga Ace features six liftable decks. Its rounded bow shape is designed to minimize wind resistance and reduce CO2 emissions. To celebrate the maiden voyage, port officials held a plaque exchange ceremony. The recognition was presented to the Beluga Ace’s Captain, Hirotoshi Tateyama.

“The Port of San Diego is pleased to welcome Beluga Ace to the National City Marine Terminal and welcomes the additional business from Mazda,” said Port Commissioner Dukie Valderrama. “MOL is known worldwide for its commitment to safety, good service and protection of the environment. We congratulate MOL on its innovative vessel and look forward to additional visits to our port.”