The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the M/V Orca Ace on her maiden voyage Wednesday.
Capt. Yury Golovatyuk and his 22-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by representatives from Ports America, Norton Lilly International, Subaru of America, Auto Warehouse Corporation and the Port of Vancouver USA.
The Orca Ace, a “next-generation car carrier” cargo ship for autos and roll on/roll off cargoes, was built in Japan. She is 656 feet long with a deadweight capacity of 15,495 metric tons. Her specially designed hull shape and improved two-stroke engine help reduce carbon emissions as she transits the globe, according to the port.
The ship is owned by Lunar River Line S.A. of Panama and operated by Mitsui OSK Line Ltd.
The Orca Ace departed from Hitachinaka, Japan in July. Once berthed at the Port of Vancouver USA, International Longshore and Warehouse Union crews discharged 2,300 Subaru vehicles to be processed at the port and shipped to buyers across the northern United States.
San Diego was the final destination on the ship’s maiden voyage.