With those traditional words of consecration, Bernice Hynes (wife of Oceanex executive chairman Captain Sid Hynes, photo above) launched the largest Canadian flag Con/Ro in Flensburg, Germany. A Con/Ro is a hybrid Roll-on/ Roll-off/Container vessel. Delivery of the Oceanex Connaigra to the Newfoundland service is expected in October, when it will join the rest of the f leet:

Ship highlights:

• 210 metre-long vessel with a deadweight of 19,300 tons and 13,700 square metres of available space.

• Designed to carry containers varying in size from 20′ to 53′ as well as trucks, trailers, cars and over-dimensional cargo.

• With moveable vehicle decks and a wide, reinforced side ramp, it will be one of the most versatile Con/Ro vessels in the country.

• Ice-classed, it is also equipped with antiroll stability tanks and a gyro-controlled active fin stabilizer system to maximize stability.

• It will use 30 per cent less fuel than comparable size ships, reducing C02 emissions by about 20,000 tons per year.

• With her waste gas de-sulphurisation plant, the Oceanex Connaigra already meets stricter environmental regulations that are due to take effect in 2015.