Built as a multi-purpose dry cargo vessel under yard No. 439F by Xiamen Shipyard, Xiamen China for Wilbert Shipping (Rickmers Reederei), Cyprus.
27 May 2002 keel laid down.
03 March 2003 launched RICKMERS NEW ORLEANS.
Tonnage 23.119 gross, 9.752 net, 29.878 dwt., dim. 192.92 x 27.80 x 15.50m., draught 11.20m, length bpp. 183.56m.
Powered by one 7-cyl. two stroke single acting Diesel engine type 7S60 MC-C, manufactured by Hudong Shipyard Diesel Engine Branch, 15.785 kW., single screw, speed 19 knots. One 900 kW bow-thruster.
Ice strengthened, and strengthened to carry heavy cargo.
Lifting devices, 1 crane of 100 ton, 2 cranes of 320 ton which can work in tandem and can lift then 640 ton. 1 crane of 45 ton.
Can carry 1.864 20ft TEU’s, grain capacity 36.094 cubic meter.
Has accommodation for passengers. (12?)
15 July 2003 completed.
After delivery in August put in the Round-the-World Pearl String Service of the Rickmers Line, based in Hamburg.
When she arrived at New Orleans on her first call at this port was she christened on 06 December by the First Lady of New Orleans and the wife of the Major C Ray Nagin, when she was moored alongside Nashville Avenue B Wharf on the shore of the River Mississippi.
The World Pearl String service is from Hamburg via the Suez Canal to the Far East then across the Pacific to the Panama Canal to the east coast of the USA before the ships heading home to Hamburg.
During this voyages the ships call at least at 20 ports, but further ports may be called if required.
When you want to make a World voyage as passenger you can book a voyage one a ship used in this service.
October 2003 transferred from Cyprus registry to Marshall Islands registry and flag.
http://www.equasis.org gives for 2008, owned by same owner, and managed by Rickmers Reederei, Hamburg.
IMO No. 9253155. Still under Marshall Islands flag.
Marshall Island 2006 39c sg?, scott?
Source: some web-sites. Germanischer Lloyd on Line.