Evergreen orders eight 11,000-TEU newbuild containerships

Taiwanese ocean carrier Evergreen Marine Corp. on Thursday entered an agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries to construct eight 11,000-TEU containerships, with deliveries starting in early 2020.    Evergreen Marine Corp. on Thursday placed an order with Samsung Heavy Industries to construct eight 11,000-TEU containerships, the Taiwanese ocean carrier said in a statement.
   Of this order, four ships will be owned by Evergreen Marine Corp.’s subsidiary, Greencompass Marine S.A., with the other four to be under the control of Evergreen Marine (Hong Kong) Ltd.
   The newbuildings are planned for delivery starting in the first quarter of 2020 through the second quarter of 2021.
   The company said the new ships are part of its goal to meet future market demand and fleet renewal program.
   “On delivery of these new ships, Evergreen will redeliver older chartered vessels as their charter periods expire to help optimize the efficiency of its operating fleet and enhance the competitiveness of its services,” the company said.
   The new ships are designed to sail at a service speed of 23 knots, as well as be able to transit the recently expanded Panama Canal.
   “The ship hulls are shorter than those of ultra-large containerships plying the Asia-Europe trade, making it easier to maneuver the ships during berthing or departure and brings greater flexibility in fleet deployment,” Evergreen said.
   The company also said the ships will be equipped with various environmental protection devices, including a ballast water treatment system and alternative marine power to fully comply with the regulations of national and international maritime authorities.