VoM: Set To Sail

I’m back in Philadelphia, which means the detours are behind me and I’m back on the Voyage. It also means that I am in position to board the freighter which will carry me across the Atlantic.

I spoke to the ship’s port agent this morning. He confirmed that the ship is due into port here sometime tomorrow afternoon, and added that I will probably be able to board later in the day. I am to call him in the morning to get final instructions.

So, everything is “normal” so far… I have a general idea of what’s going on but nothing definite. For those of you who are new to the Voyages of Macgellan, this is indeed completely “normal.”

What I do know is that the ship will be the Rickmers Shanghai, a Superflex Heavy MPC (Multi-Purpose Container) carrier. The ship is about 600 feet long, 90 feet wide and weighs 30,000 tons at maximum load, with a top speed is 19.5 knots.

What I don’t know is exactly where we’re going, how long it will take, who else will be on board, or any other details. I am scheduled to disembark in Antwerp in about 12 days, but since I’m pretty sure it doesn’t take that long to “cross the pond” I’m figuring we’ll be making a port call or two somewhere en route. Depending where that is, I may disembark early. Like I said, everything is normal… Stay tuned!