March 10, 2016: Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has signed a contract with COSCO Container Lines Co Ltd (COSCON) to supply its latest Unitor multi-gas detectors to the company’s expanding container fleet. The agreement covers 70 vessels, including 20 newbuilds scheduled to launch between now and 2018. In addition, WSS have signed a five-year service agreement to maintain the detection units.

WSS has established a position as a key equipment and service partner for the Chinese company, and its latest gas detection units and supporting service package again proved to be a perfect fit for COSCON.

“WSS have consistently delivered the products and service solutions our business demands,” says Mr Mao QingDao, Technical Director of the COSCON fleet. “Their new multi-gas detectors, backed up by their one of a kind onboard calibration and re-certification service is no different, it’s ideal for us.”

Commenting on their continuing relationship, Aeolus Shi, WSS Sales Manager, China, adds: “10 years ago we supplied the first generation of Unitor gas detectors to COSCON for its entire fleet of 115 ships. Being one of our loyal customers, COSCON appreciates the quality of our products, reliable service and global network, as well as the continuous improvement in our products and services.”

WSS, the leading global provider of products and services to the shipping industry, is committed to helping its customers navigate regulatory changes. This deal, valued at over USD 200,000, illustrates that it is way ahead of the curve when it comes to SOLAS X1/17. Approved by MSC 93/94, the latest SOLAS regulations require all ships engaged in international voyages to have, at the very least, one portable four-gas detection unit.

COSCON is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated container shipping service. COSCON has 175 container carriers with a capacity of up to 840,692 TEUs. Its container ships call at more than 192 ports, in over 64 countries across the world.

Ole Jakob Ytterdal, Wilhelmsen Ships Service. Email: ole.j.ytterdal@wilhelmsen.com