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Britannia to Rule Dry Bulk Waves
Lloyd's List - May 4th 2001
THERE’S a Britannia back under the Red Ensign. But she’s not a royal yacht, writes David Osler.
The current ship to bear this most illustrious name is a 48,377 dwt bulk carrier, managed from London by Wallem. She is reportedly a fine vessel indeed, but presumably not the sort of thing Her Majesty would fancy spending her holidays on.
Wallem superintendent Maurice Walker described the name grab as “somewhat cheeky”, but pointed out that the royal family had not reserved the name, as it would have been entitled to do.
The new Britannia is owned by British Marine Plc, believed to be a group of independent investors now entering shipping as a result of their trading interests. “I am sure if her Majesty asked nicely, they would relinquish the name,” Mr Walker added with a grin.
British Marine Plc also owns two secondhand vessels, Miranda Rose and Meridian Navigator.
As a matter of policy, it has decided to use the British flag, and has found it to be both tax efficient and easy to join. It is expected to acquire another two ships before the end of the year.
The ship, built by Sanoyas Hishino Meisho Corporation in Mizushima, Japan, was delivered in April.
Wallem superintendent David Birwadkar, who took delivery, commented: “The sea trials were excellent. She is nothing very complicated, but she is very well designed and the end product is very good.”
Britannia, classed by Det Norske Veritas, is currently on time charter to Japanese interests.
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