Company Magazine for the Odfjell Group - April 2008

The last of the twelveNaming and launching of Bow CapeBy Frode J. StornesOn a chilly but sunny mid winter day inNagasaki, building no. N-2017 was madeready for naming and launching. Afternaming the ship Bow Cape, Mrs. Lillian H.Stornes cut the ribbon, the champagnebottle broke to the hull and the ship sliddown the dock into her right element.The ship is yet to be completed, andwill not be delivered until second half ofApril. Following Bow Santos in 2004 andBow Lima last year, Bow Cape is the thirdnewbuilding be delivered to its Japaneseowner, Santoku Senpaku Co Ltd, to goon a long-term time-charter to Odfjell. Afourth ship is yet to come later this year.The three ships are built by FukuokaShipbuilding; Bow Santos in Fukuokaand Bow Lima and Bow Cape at theyard in Nagasaki. Bow Cape is in fact thelast ship in a series of twelve 19,000 Dwtchemical tankers with stainless steelcargo tanks, built at various Japaneseyards to various Japanese owners andall delivered on long-term time-charterto Odfjell. A pool of twelve ships allowsmore flexibility in successful tradingthan operating individually in the market,which should provide a win-winsituation for all parties involved.The launching ceremonies arrangedby Fukuoka Shipbuilding was a distinguishedand well carried out arrangement.The Lady Sponsor and guests weresolemnly guided through the yard areato the decorated ceremony platform.The Norwegian and Japanese nationalanthems were played and flags hoisted.With precise punctuality workers at theyard prepared and signalled readinessfor launching. A school class was present;surely a memorable day for thepupils and also a charming and evocativeelement in the ceremony. Then followedthe naming, the ribbon cutting,the champagne bottle breaking to thehull, and the ship sliding into the sea –with an enormous amount of balloonsand colourful paper streamers addingfestivity to the arrangement.A special thanks to the owner Santokufor inviting Odfjell to the naming ceremonyof their ship. Fukuoka Shipbuildingperformed a grand and well preparedceremony. Also our very specialand personal thanks to Akemi Yamamotofrom the yard; in addition to beingceremony master she was also our dedicatedguide and host during our stay inNagasaki.We now look forward to receiving theship in our fleet.Mrs. Lillian H. Stornes cutting theribbonLillian and Frode Stornes with “their”shipSignalling ready to launchProminent ceremony attendantsM/T Bow Cape8 Odfjell Quarterly April 2008Safely afloat