OOCL NAMES ITS FIRST 8,000-TEU CONTAINERSHIP

OOCL NAMES ITS FIRST 8,000-TEU CONTAINERSHIP    Hong Kong-based OOCL has christened the first of a series of eight new 8,063 TEUs, one of the biggest containerships in the world.
   The first ship was named “OOCL Shenzhen” at Koji Island, Korea on Wednesday. The “SX-class” vessel is the largest container vessel ever built by Samsung Heavy Industries.
   The new ship is 323 meters long, has a deadweight of 100,000 tons, and can sail at 25.2 knots at full load.
   OOCL said that the ship also has “the largest declared capacity of the world,” at 8,063 TEUs. However, its dimensions are smaller than those of the “Axel Maersk,” a new containership delivered to Maersk Sealand earlier this year. The Maersk ship, officially rated as having a 6,600-TEU capacity by the carrier, is 352 meters long and has a deadweight of 105,750 tons.
   “By enhancing our fleet, we can remain competitive and provide efficient services to our customers at greater economies of scale,” said T.R. Chang, chief executive officer of OOCL.
   OOCL has two 8,000-TEU “SX-class” ships scheduled for delivery this year, including the “OOCL Shenzhen.” It has also ordered four ships of the same size for delivery during 2004 and a further two for delivery in 2005.
   After delivery, the “OOCL Shenzhen” will operate in the China Europe Express joint service of the Grand Alliance, of which OOCL is a member.