On Automobile/Bulk Carrier and Automobile Shifter

Abstract

World's first drive-on/off ocean going automobile/bulk carrier "OPPAMA MARU" ownedby Messrs. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. and "ZAMA MARU" by Messrs. Showa Shipping Co. Ltd. Were built by Hitachi Zosen and had entered their regular services of carrying automobiles from Japan to the United States and grain in return voyage. The authors, engaged in planning of the said vessels, should like to introduce distinctive features of the vessels focussing on the arrangements of automobile loading/discharging and transport for the reference of the design of this kind of vessels which will increase its number in the near future with expansions of the exports of Japanese automobiles to the overseas markets.