Containership size record set to be broken again
Written by Nick Blenkey
Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the 15-year long-term charter of six new Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS). Each with with a capacity greater than 24,000 TEU each, they will be world’s largest containerships ever.
Signed with Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., the LOI provides for the ships to be built by a consortium of Japanese shipbuilders Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Japan Marine United Corporation with delivery expected in 2023/2024.
Singapore-headquartered ONE, which is owned by Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and K Line, says the giant ships will join its core fleet and are part of its strategy of introducing large, modern, and fuel-efficient vessels to further strengthen its fleet competitiveness.
“Currently, the world’s largest ULCS have a maximum capacity of slightly below 24,000 TEU,” notes ONE. “The six new ULCS with capacity exceeding 24,000 TEU will help bring economies of scale and significantly lower carbon emissions through a state-of-the-art hull design that aims to maximize cargo intake and minimize fuel consumption. The vessels will be equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems to meet the emissions regulations of IMO.”
