Middle East

UASC’s giant boxships will be ‘LNG ready’

Oslo: United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) landmark order for giant 18,000 teu class boxships to be built at Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries are set to be among the most advanced merchant ships ever built. Classed by Norwegian classification society DNV, the vessels will also be designed ‘LNG ready’. Accordingly, they will be prepared for easy retrofitting for using LNG fuel in the future, when the related infrastructure is in place.

 “I’m pleased and proud that DNV has been selected as the preferred class for these huge and advanced ships,” says Henrik O. Madsen, DNV Group CEO. “We have actively supported the owner and yard up to the contract signing. Through our expertise and technology, we have been able to aid in the development of these new ships, which represent a major leap forward in terms of size and operational excellence.”

The vessels will be optimised for an Asia – Middle East – North Europe trade. Their optimal speed window will be 16 – 18 knots. In addition to hull optimisation and advanced propulsion arrangements, cargo securement has been improved through new lashing bridges.

“DNV’s long-term focus on research, innovation and new concepts for improved ships, its high standards and extremely competent people has convinced UASC. I’m sure DNV is the right partner when UASC is to take this major leap for the container shipping industry,” says Jørn Hinge, UASC CEO. “These are complex ships. Complexity requires competence and DNV has been preferred due to its long-lasting focus on and development of expertise.”  [03/09/13]

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