
The MV Tønsberg RoRo vessel is a versatile and reliable mode of transportation. It has a length of 199 meters and a beam of 25 meters.
Its RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) design allows for the efficient transport of wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and buses. This type of vessel is ideal for transporting vehicles and heavy machinery.
The MV Tønsberg has a gross tonnage of 22,000 tons and a deadweight tonnage of 12,000 tons. This gives it a significant carrying capacity.
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Design and Concept
The design of MV Tønsberg is truly innovative. It's based on the Mark V design concept, which has been optimized for low resistance in rough waters.
The ship features a low double bottom hull, which is a clever design choice that helps reduce drag and improve stability. This is particularly useful in rough waters where the ship is more likely to experience turbulence.
MV Tønsberg has an overall length of 265m, which is a significant size for a vessel of its type. The moulded breadth is 32.26m, and the design draft is 11m.
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The ship's gross tonnage is 76,500gt, which indicates its overall size and capacity. This is a large vessel, capable of carrying a significant amount of cargo or passengers.
The accommodation block on MV Tønsberg is designed to be safe and comfortable. It includes public spaces, offices, and living quarters for the crew of 36 people.
A free fall lifeboat is installed aft, and it's accessible through a safe emergency walkway from the accommodation section. This is an important safety feature that ensures the crew can evacuate the ship quickly and easily in an emergency.
History
The MV Tønsberg has a rich history, and it's named after the Norwegian coastal town where Wilhelmsen was founded in 1861.
Wilhelmsen was founded in 1861, and the MV Tønsberg was built to celebrate a significant milestone in the company's history.
It was the fourth ship to carry this name, and it was part of a new series of ships called "Mark V" built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan.

The first ship of this class, MV Tønsberg, was built in 2010-2011, and it was a significant achievement for the company.
The second ship of the class, Parsifal, was delivered in September 2011, just a few months after the MV Tønsberg.
In 2012, the MV Tønsberg was recognized for its efficiency and environmental compatibility, earning the title of "Ship of the Year 2011" from the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers.
Specifications
MV Tønsberg is an impressive vessel, and let's take a closer look at its specifications.
MV Tønsberg is 265 meters long overall and 32.26 meters wide, with a draught of 11 meters and an air draught of 46 meters.
The ship has a gross tonnage of 76,500 gt, making it a massive vessel.
It features six fixed decks and three hoistable ones, with the main deck capable of taking loads 7.1 meters high.
The total deck space is 50,335 square meters, and the cargo volume is 138,000 cubic meters.
The stern ramp is 12 meters wide and can take loads of 505 tonnes.
Here's a summary of the ship's key dimensions:
- Length overall: 265 meters
- Width: 32.26 meters
- Draught: 11 meters
- Air draught: 46 meters
- Gross tonnage: 76,500 gt
- Total deck space: 50,335 square meters
- Cargo volume: 138,000 cubic meters
- Stern ramp width: 12 meters
Cargo and Capacities

The cargo capacities of the MV Tønsberg are truly impressive. The vessel can carry a massive cargo volume of about 138,000 cubic meters.
The ship's deck area is also noteworthy, with a total of 50,335 square meters available for cargo. This includes 31,250 square meters dedicated for high and heavy cargo.
The main deck of the ship has a clear height of 7.1 meters, making it easy to load and unload large machinery and equipment. This is a significant advantage for the ship's cargo capacity.
Here are the key cargo and capacity statistics for the MV Tønsberg:
- Cargo volume: 138,000 cubic meters
- Total deck area: 50,335 square meters
- Main deck clear height: 7.1 meters
- Strengthened stern ramp capacity: 500t
Cargo Handling Systems of Norwegian Ro-Ro Vessel
The cargo handling systems on board the MV Tønsberg are quite impressive. They allow the loading and unloading of a variety of cargo, including high and heavy rolling cargo, non-containerised cargo, break-bulk, special project cargo, and cars.
The stern quarter ramp is used for loading and offloading all cargoes. It's a convenient and efficient way to handle cargo.

The main deck has a higher clear height than other Ro Ro vessels of this type, which is a big advantage. This extra space can accommodate larger or heavier cargo.
Internal ramps are arranged in sequence to enable the safe and efficient movement of cargo between decks. This is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the cargo handling system.
The fixed and hoistable-type internal ramps allow for movement between decks. This flexibility is essential for handling different types of cargo.
Liftable decks are controlled by electric winches installed under each deck panel. This is a clever feature that helps to streamline the cargo handling process.
The ramp system enables the simultaneous loading and offloading of cargo from all decks. This is a significant advantage, especially when handling large volumes of cargo.
The weather deck is equipped with a four-meter wide ramp, which eliminates the need for shore-based cranes for loading cargo. This is a practical solution that saves time and resources.
Largest Roll-On/Roll-Off Vessel Capacities

The MV Tønsberg, a Norwegian Ro Ro vessel, is an impressive ship with a cargo handling system that can handle a variety of cargo types. It has a stern quarter ramp that allows for the loading and unloading of cargo, including high and heavy rolling cargo, non-containerized cargo, break-bulk, special project cargo, and cars.
The main deck of the MV Tønsberg offers a higher clear height than other Ro Ro vessels of its type, making it ideal for loading and unloading cargo. This increased clear height allows for more efficient and safe movement of cargo.
The vessel has a fixed and hoistable-type internal ramp system that enables movement between decks. This system allows for the simultaneous loading and off-loading of cargo from all decks, making it a highly efficient cargo handling system.
The weather deck of the MV Tønsberg is equipped with a four-meter wide ramp, which eliminates the need for shore-based cranes to load cargo. This reduces the risk of accidents and increases the overall efficiency of the cargo handling process.

Here are some key cargo capacities of the world's largest roll-on/roll-off vessel, the MV Tonsberg:
The MV Tonsberg is an impressive vessel with a cargo capacity of 138,000 cubic meters. Its total deck area is 50,335 square meters, with 31,250 square meters dedicated to high and heavy cargo.
Propulsion and Performance
MV Tønsberg is powered by a seven cylinder L70ME-C8 engine, which drives a single fixed pitch propeller.
The ship's propulsion system is electronically controlled and designed for slow speed operation.
Tønsberg has a service speed of 20.25kt, making it a relatively fast vessel.
The vessel is equipped with a low resistance rudder and transverse thrusters for enhanced manoeuvrability.
A 1,200kW steam turbine generator and 1,100kW shaft generator provide electric power during transit.
Three 2,400kW auxiliary generator sets supply electricity for the vessel in port and during manoeuvring.
The auxiliary systems and fuel tanks are designed for operation on low sulphur heavy fuel oil and marine diesel oil.
The turbo generator system is expected to reduce annual fuel consumption by about five to six percent.
This reduction in fuel consumption results in fewer CO2, SOX, and NOX emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the vessel Tonsberg?
The vessel Tonsberg is a Vehicles Carrier. It was built in 2011 and is currently sailing under the flag of Malta.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_T%C3%B8nsberg
- https://www.ship-technology.com/projects/mv-tonsberg-roro-vessel/
- https://www.myshiptracking.com/vessels/tonsberg-mmsi-636020348-imo-9216999
- https://www.marineinsight.com/types-of-ships/mv-tonsberg-the-worlds-largest-roll-on-roll-off-ro-ro-ship/
- https://www.ship-technology.com/projects/mark-v-ro-ro/
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