Greetings from the waterfront where I am standing in front of the Japanese bulk carrier “Santa Serena”, loaded with logs ready to flee!
Here’s a shot of it a couple days earlier while it was being loaded!
The Santa Serena is a General Cargo Ship (often referred to as a bulk carrier in certain contexts) registered in Japan. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:
Vessel Details
- IMO Number: 9527934
- MMSI Number: 431256000
- Call Sign: 7JVN
- Flag: Japan
- Year Built: 2011
- Builder: Naikai Zosen Setoda, Hiroshima, Japan
- Gross Tonnage (GT): 23,691 tons
- Deadweight Tonnage (DWT): 38,238 tons
- Dimensions:
- Length: 184.7 meters (approximately 185 meters)
- Beam: 30.6 meters (approximately 31 meters)
- Type: General Cargo Ship, capable of carrying bulk cargo such as ores, coal, or grain, loaded directly into its cargo holds.
Current Status and Voyage Information
- As of the latest available data, (July 23, 2025) the Santa Serena was reported in Crofton, BC, Canada.
- The ship’s position and port call history are tracked via AIS (Automatic Identification System), providing real-time updates on its location, speed, course, and destination.
Operational History
- The Santa Serena is operated by JX Ocean, a Japanese shipping company. On April 2, 2016, the vessel was recorded sailing through the Kanmon Strait in Japan.
- In a notable incident, the Santa Serena was involved in a protest in Port Alberni, Canada, where it was loaded with raw logs for export to China. Approximately 50 members of the Steelworkers Local 185 protested, arguing that the logs should be processed locally to support Canadian jobs.
Design and Features
- As a General Cargo Ship, the Santa Serena is designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, or minerals, in its cargo holds. Unlike specialized bulk carriers, general cargo ships like this one may also handle a variety of other cargoes.
- The vessel’s design likely includes a single continuous deck with multiple hatches (typically an odd number) and guides for hatch covers, which is characteristic of bulk carriers for efficient loading and unloading.
- Built by Naikai Zosen Setoda, a reputable Japanese shipyard, the Santa Serena reflects Japan’s expertise in constructing reliable and efficient bulk carriers, often incorporating energy-saving technologies to meet modern environmental standards.
Additional Context
- Japanese Shipbuilding: Japan is a leading builder of bulk carriers, with shipyards like Naikai Zosen, Oshima Shipbuilding, and Japan Marine United known for producing high-quality vessels. Approximately 62% of the world’s bulk carriers are built in Japan, emphasizing advanced technologies like energy-saving designs and optimized hulls for reduced fuel consumption.
- Flag Discrepancy: Some sources, such as a 2016 report, indicate the Santa Serena was previously registered under the Panama flag, which is common for commercial vessels due to regulatory and cost benefits. However, current data confirms it now sails under the Japanese flag.
- Environmental Considerations: Modern Japanese bulk carriers, including those built by Naikai Zosen, often incorporate eco-friendly features like optimized hull shapes and energy-saving devices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global maritime regulations.
Clarification on Ship Type
While the Santa Serena is classified as a General Cargo Ship, it has been referred to as a bulk carrier in some contexts due to its ability to transport bulk cargoes. General cargo ships are versatile, handling both bulk and other types of cargo, whereas dedicated bulk carriers are more specialized. The Santa Serena’s specifications (e.g., 38,238 DWT) place it in the Handymax or Supramax size category, suitable for smaller ports and flexible cargo operations.
See the “Marine Traffic” website for photos of many of the other ships I have spotted! The user name is “Eat Bacon”, haha