MITSUI PLANS EIGHT NEW PANAMAX SHIPS FOR TRANSPACIFIC
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), based in Tokyo, plans to deploy eight new PANAMAX containerships in the Pacific trades.
The vessels are likely to replace Mitsui’s 2,800-TEU “Alligator” class vessels currently in transpacific service. Each of the new ships, to be delivered in 2003, will carry 4,500 TEUs at a service speed of 25.5 knots, fastest in their class.
Mitsui’s plans are part of an overall service enhancement strategy for the New World Alliance, in which Mitsui is a partner with APL Ltd. and Hyundai Merchant Marine Co.