What a PCTC!

Freo Today. 28 January 2025. The Grande Texas is not just a vehicles carrier, but a PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier). The vessel is 199.90 metres long and 36.45 metres wide; she has a gross tonnage of 65,255 tonnes and a service speed of 19 knots. She flies the Italian flag, which is unusual in Fremantle, and is among the largest PCTCs on the market: in fact, she can transport around 7,600 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) or, alternatively, 5,400 linear metres of rolling stock and 2,737 CEU.

Her four hoist-able decks make the Grande Texas highly flexible: beside cars, she is able to transport any type of rolling freight (trucks, tractors, buses, excavators, etc.) up to 5.30 metres high. Moreover, the vessel is fitted with a side ramp as well as a quarter stern ramp, the latter allowing the loading of freight units weighing up to 150 tonnes. The configuration of her 12 decks and her system of internal ramps minimize the risk of damage to the cargo during the loading and unloading operations.

From a technological point of view, the Grande Texas is a state-of-the-art ship, equipped with devices that allow her to reduce harmful emissions and achieve high energy efficiency, thus ensuring a truly eco-sustainable method of transportation. In particular, she is fitted with an electronically-controlled Man Energy Solutions main engine, as required by the new regulations for the reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, as well as with an exhaust gas cleaning system for cutting sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate emissions. Last but not least, she complies with the latest ballast water treatment regulations.

Last port of call Reunion, next port Melbourne.

What a PCTC!

Fab pic and story by Jean Hudson our Shipping Correspondent