Baltazar named at Fremantle as KCC marks next phase of WA trade

KLAVENESS Combination Carriers (KCC) has formally named Baltazar, the newest vessel in its CABU III series, during a ceremony at Fremantle Passenger Terminal attended by Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, senior KCC executives and Fremantle Ports representatives.

KCC chief executive Engebret Dahm told guests Western Australia has been the company’s “most important market” since the late 1980s, with KCC vessels long supporting the state’s importers of tanker cargoes and exporters of dry‑bulk commodities.

He said Baltazar and her sister ships are designed to carry both liquid and dry bulk cargoes, creating “significant efficiencies” by reducing ballast time and keeping the vessel laden more often than conventional tonnage.

Mr Dahm highlighted the ship’s 27‑metre suction sails and air‑lubrication system, describing “modules embedded into the hull creating a magic carpet of bubbles” to reduce drag.

He said the CABU III series delivers a 30–35% lower carbon footprint than comparable vessels.

Images: © Norman Jorgensen

More than 5000 shipyard workers contributed 11 million labour hours to the build.

He paid tribute to the 27‑strong multinational crew and master Captain Pratchett, who has served across the KCC fleet for six years, and thanked OSM Thome and KCC’s inspection teams for bringing the vessel into service.

Fremantle Ports harbour master Captain David Heppingstone said Baltazar was purpose‑built for WA’s cargo flows and shallow‑draft ports, carrying liquid cargo inbound and dry bulk outbound “far more often than a conventional vessel ever would”. He presented a plaque marking the port’s welcome and long partnership with KCC.

KCC president Ernst Meyer said the vessel is “future‑fit”, with preparations in place for potential future carbon‑free fuels. He noted the ship is engineered to carry more cargo with less draft, load and discharge faster, and consume less fuel. “Baltazar is a home,” Meyer said, emphasising the company’s safety culture and praising Captain Pratchett’s leadership.

Deputy WA Premier Rita Saffioti, serving as lady sponsor, said the ceremony reflected the long‑standing relationship between KCC and Western Australia’s export industries. She highlighted the vessel’s role in supporting alumina refining, agriculture, mineral processing and WA’s broader trade profile. Ms Saffioti formally named the vessel: “May she sail with fair winds and a following sea.”