MacGregor Wins PLC Retrofit Order for 35 Wallenius Wilhelmsen PCTCs

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 30, Swedish cargo handling equipment supplier MacGregor announced that it has secured an order from Norwegian roll-on/roll-off operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen to carry out programmable logic controller (PLC) retrofits on 35 pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). The order has been included in MacGregor's order intake for the third quarter of 2026, and the retrofits will be implemented according to each vessel's sailing schedule and availability.

The retrofit scope focuses on the stern ramp control system. The supply scope covers stern ramp PLC upgrades for 35 vessels. The stern ramp is a key piece of equipment for PCTCs when loading and unloading cars, trucks and other roll-on/roll-off cargo at ports, and its mechanical and hydraulic movements are controlled by the PLC. Should the PLC fail, the vessel may be unable to complete loading and unloading, resulting in berth delays and schedule disruptions. The immediate goal of this upgrade is to reduce the risk of operational disruption caused by aging electronic control systems and difficulties in procuring spare parts.

In line with Wallenius Wilhelmsen's sustainability objectives, the replaced controllers will be retained on board as spare parts for use in the vessel's remaining roll-on/roll-off equipment or on other vessels equipped with the same equipment, thereby extending the service life of existing machinery without the need to immediately replace the entire cargo handling system.

The partnership between MacGregor and Wallenius Wilhelmsen dates back to the initial design and newbuilding stage of these vessels. MacGregor supplied equipment for these vessels at that time and therefore has direct technical knowledge of the onboard electronic and IT systems. This retrofit extends that supply relationship into the vessels' operational phase.