Yang Ming launches first of nine 8,200-TEU ships

Yang Ming launches first of nine 8,200-TEU ships The largest vessel operated by Taiwanese shipping line Yang Ming, the 8,200-TEU vessel “YM Unity,” Tuesday made its maiden voyage from the Port of Kaohsiung destined for Europe.
   The “U-type” ship was built for Yang Ming by Korean shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries and has an overall length of 335 meters (1,099 feet) and width of 42.8 meters (140.4 feet). It has a service speed of 25.6 knots and is equipped with 700 reefer plug units. Three more sister vessels are under construction in Korea and are expected to be delivered to Yang Ming by January, all destined for the Asia/Europe trade.
   Yang Ming also has five of the same “U-type” ships on order from China Shipbuilding Corp., with delivery scheduled in the third quarter 2008.