HANJIN PHASES IN NEW 5,500-TEU CONTAINERSHIP

HANJIN PHASES IN NEW 5,500-TEU CONTAINERSHIP    Hanjin Shipping has introduced a new 5,500-TEU vessel, the “Hanjin Taipei,” into its main PDM2 “pendulum” service that covers Europe, Asia, and the West Coast of the U.S.
   The ship started its maiden voyage at Kaohsiung on Friday (Feb. 22).
   The “Hanjin Taipei,” on long-term charter from a German owner, is the 16th vessel in a series of 5,500-TEU-class ships that substitute current 4,500-TEU vessels within the PDM2 service.
   “K” Line, Yang Ming, COSCO Container Lines and Senator Lines take space on the PDM2 service under a slot charter agreement.
   “Hanjin is replacing its current 4,500-TEU vessels with 5,500-TEU and expects that such replacement will to a great extent increase its efficiency of vessel operation as a whole,” the Korean carrier said.