Legacies of over 170 years | ⚓ The General Cargo Vessel «Elena»
Throughout its history, Pérez y Cía. has witnessed numerous vessels come and go, but few have left such an indelible mark as the General Cargo and Container Ship «Elena.» Launched in 1972 at the Bazán shipyard and named in honor of Dña. Elena García Botín, one of the figures who inspired our organization, the «Elena» marked a special chapter in our operations, transporting cargo from New York to the Caribbean and solidifying, among others, the trade routes between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
Its design, with a length of 127 meters and a cargo capacity of 7,497 tons, made the «Elena» an outstanding vessel in its category. Its Bazán-Man V6V 40/54 engine allowed it to reach remarkable speeds, although sailing on board presented certain challenges for the crews, such as a less automated and comfortable experience compared to other ships of the time.
During its journeys through the distant waters of Australia, the «Elena» faced numerous significant technical and logistical challenges, experiences that contributed to the formation of a strong and professional team, both among the shore staff and the crew members themselves. Together with this emblematic vessel, they reinforced our company’s unwavering commitment to maritime transport and international trade.
The ship’s tenure with Pérez y Cía. culminated in 1975 when the vessel was sold and renamed «6th October.» Since then, the story of the «Elena» continues to resonate as an example of the values of consistency and adaptability that have guided our course in the maritime and logistics sector since 1853.
Illustrated by Roberto Hernández
