West Africa Maximum Vessels (WAFMAX)

Small ships spend a lot of time getting in and out of ports but carry very little cargo. This inefficiency reduces economic activity due to increased transportation costs and results in larger environmental footprints.

Carrying more than twice the amount of cargo of the ships typically calling at West African ports, Maersk Line’s 4500 TEU large West Africa Maximum (WAFMAX) vessels are designed to press against port limitations in West Africa, whilst reducing port turnaround time per vessel.

To support WAFMAX vessels calling at the Port of Onne CARES Group was asked to complete a Simulation Study using WAFMAX dimensions and manoeuvring characteristics.

CARES Group provided vessel transit simulations planned and delivered by vessel-handling mariner experts and client observers.

To provide tidal stream data for Maersk Line’s WAFMAX simulation exercises CARES Group completed a programme of Metocean Data gathering and analysis at Onne and in the Bonny River.

WAFMAX vessels made a successful trial call in December 2013 and have been regularly calling at Onne since May 2014.