In one of the more unique operations and a creative demonstration of the circular economy, the hulk of the fire-damaged car carrier Fremantle Highway is off to China to be rebuilt into a new vessel. It is one of the first times that such a heavily fire-damaged vessel is being repurposed emphasizing the need for additional capacity in the car carrier segment.

The ship brokerage firm Friday & Company based in the Netherlands is calling attention to the unique deal and its role in arranging for the transport of the vessel. They highlighted brokering a major charter deal between heavily lift shipping specialist Boskalis and the Chinese buyer of the vessels as well as clearing all the red tape to make the transfer possible for the vessel now named Floor.

Friday & Co detailed the operation to the publication Heavy Lift reporting it provided representation for its client during pre-loading preparations, and a marine warranty surveyor was engaged to address safety requirements and structural adaptations post-fire. The modifications to Floor’s structure following steel cuts altered its bending and twisting characteristics added complexity to the load-out process.

A fire broke out on the Fremantle Highway (18,549 dwt) on July 25, 2023, shortly after the vessel left Germany loaded with approximately 3,800 vehicles including up to 55 electric vehicles. One crewmember died in a poorly organized evacuation of the vessel, but the others made it to safety in the Netherlands. The fire burned for a week before the vessel was brought to Eemshaven and later to Rotterdam for the salvage operation.