A new high-speed ship concept is set to challenge air freight carriers across the Atlantic when it is launched in 2010. FastShip has linked up with Triangle Management Services and is calling for companies to bid on cargo capacity for the planned new cargo service between the US port of Philadelphia and Cherbourg, France. FastShip says the new JetShip will fill the untapped middle market in the shipping industry between air and sea freight, enabling door-to-door delivery time that is comparable to standard air freight at half the cost.
Interested bidders have until 31 March to bid on 1.3 million tones of cargo space on three JetShip vessels via twice weekly trans-Atlantic sailings planned for 2010.
The new service claims it will provide high speed portgate-to-portgate shipping alternative with time-definite standards of delivery, enabling six to seven day door-to-door service between mid-Europe and mid-United States, providing a viable alternative for high-value, time sensitive goods.
“FastShip will fill the tremendous gap in terms of price, reliability and transit times that exist between air and sea freight,” said Roland Bullard, president and chief executive officer of FastShip, Inc.
“Currently, shippers’ choices are extremely limited – they can pay more than necessary for a service that is faster than needed, or pay less than they are prepared to spend for a less desirable service. FastShip will fill that untapped middle market for shippers.”
The design of the ship provides a 10,000-ton load capacity with the capability of maintaining speeds of up to 40 knots even in severe sea conditions.
For loading and unloading the ship integrates with terminals using a link-span and Automated Girder Vehicles (AGVs), a technology that obviates the need for crane loading. This, says Bullard, will bring the turn-round time down to as little as six hours compared to the current 24 hours. Bullard also claims the technology makes it possible to integrate the JetShip’s cargo handling operations into a general-purpose marine terminal, thereby reducing capital costs, providing port flexibility.
Future developments include a trans-Pacific route.
Aircargo Asia Pacific
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