Working Conditions Aboard the Santa-Catarina

In a significant move towards sustainability, Hamburg Süd is partnering with its Swedish client Electrolux to tackle sulfur dioxide emissions in ports. From March 11 to March 24, during port calls at Manzanillo (Mexico), Callao (Peru), Iquique, and Puerto Angamos (Chile), the 'Santa Catarina' (IMO: 9355605, 7,114 TEU) took the initiative to utilize cleaner marine gas oil (MGO) instead of the conventional heavy fuel oil (HFO). This switch was crucial for powering the ship’s auxiliary engines and boilers, which provide necessary electricity and heating while docked. Previously, Hamburg Süd and Electrolux had successfully implemented a fuel upgrade, reinforcing their commitment to environmental health. This latest endeavor allows for a remarkable reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions—over 95% less—related to the Electrolux shipments. Both companies are investing in this project, with Electrolux covering the added expenses for MGO and Hamburg Süd managing the supplementary operational costs associated with the fuel transition.

On Sunday, October 16, 2011, Hamburg Süd's ‘Santa Catarina’ made maritime history by becoming the inaugural vessel of the ‘Santa’ class to dock at the Port of Hamburg, as reported by World Maritime News. Scheduled to arrive at the Burchardkai terminal in the evening and depart late Monday evening, the ‘Santa Catarina’ boasts an impressive slot capacity of 7,100 TEU, along with 1,600 reefer slots, solidifying its status as one of the largest ships commissioned by Hamburg Süd. The ‘Santa’ class series kicked off with the ‘Santa Clara,’ which was launched by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. in Korea in October 2010. March 2011 saw the ‘Santa Clara’ enter service as the third vessel in this distinguished class. To date, a total of seven ‘Santa’ ships have been commissioned, with six currently operating along the routes connecting Asia to South Africa and the East Coast of South America. The ‘Santa Catarina’ marks a significant expansion of the fleet, being the first of its kind to engage in service between Europe and the East Coast of South America, and its call at Hamburg underscores the vessel's strategic importance. Additionally, sister ships eight to ten are expected to join the fleet by summer 2012. Each vessel in this class is designed for efficiency, featuring substantial reefer capacities and specialized structures that allow them to operate in the draught-restricted ports of South America.