Safmarine names first new ship of 2008

Safmarine names first new ship of 2008 Safmarine Container Lines on Friday named a 2,474-TEU containership, the first of nine newbuilds it has scheduled for delivery this year.
   The 33,915-deadweight-ton Safmarine Ngami was named at the Volkswerft Stralsund Shipyard in Germany, which like Safmarine is owned by the Danish A.P. Moller – Maersk Group. The vessel will enter into service following the completion of sea trails.
   Seven of the nine ships being delivered in 2008 are Safmarine-owned vessels, while two are on long-term charter.
   'This year's ambitious fleet expansion program — the largest in the history of Safmarine — has been made possible by the good support of our customers,” said Safmarine Chief Executive Officer Ivan Heesom-Green. “Not only has their support allowed us to invest in new tonnage, in order to meet demands for increased container capacity, but also to operate our vessel fleet in a more fuel-efficient manner.'