Evergreen charters eleven mega-vessels

The Taiwan-based ocean liner will charter the 18,000-TEU ships from Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

   The ocean liner company Evergreen Group has completed time charter agreements with Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. for eleven 18,000-TEU mega-vessels. The agreement includes six previously announced vessels and stipulates delivery of the ships in 2018 and 2019.
   The ships, part of a new generation of ultra-large containerships, will measure 400 meters (1312 ft.) in length and approximately 59 meters (194 ft.) in width.
   According to a statement from Evergreen, the design of the ships “incorporates optimized hull profiles and minimum ballast water requirements to maximize cargo-carrying capability. The vessels are designed to have lager depth to strengthen hull structure and navigation safety.”
   The company also noted the environmentally friendly features of the new UCLs, which could lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission. “In line with the stringent eco-friendly criteria that Evergreen has imposed on its own operation, the ships are equipped with various environmental protection devices and fully comply with the regulations of international maritime agencies.” Evergreen said. “The ship’s new generation G-type main engine is developed with a longer stroke to operate at lower speeds with capability to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission up to 7% than traditional main engines.”
   Evergreen is a member of the CKYHE Alliance, along with China-owned COSCO Container Lines, Hanjin Shipping of South Korea, Taiwan-based Yang Ming and “K” Line of Japan, cooperating in the major east-west trades.