Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd has sold three older containerships Deira, Najran and Sakaka to ship recycling yards as part of the company’s efforts to optimise its fleet.
The three vessels have a capacity of 4,101 teu each and were delivered to UASC from Japanese shipyards in 1997 and 1998. They will be transferred to shipyards in China and Turkey, which are specially equipped and certified for safe and environmentally sound recycling.
Hapag-Lloyd said the ships were sold off as they no longer fit with the portfolio of Hapag-Lloyd, now the world’s fifth-largest container line following its acquisition of UASC.
“This step means that Hapag-Lloyd is continuing to implement the internal Ship Recycling Policy it adopted in May 2014, whereby ships which are no longer needed must be recycled in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. As one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies, we are aware of our ecological and social responsibilities,” said Anthony Firmin, chief operating officer of Hapag-Lloyd.
