MAERSK NAMES 23RD POST-PANAMAX CONTAINERSHIP

MAERSK NAMES 23RD POST-PANAMAX CONTAINERSHIP    A.P. Moller, the parent company of Maersk Sealand, has named another large post-Panamax containership, the “Cornelia Maersk.”
   The “Cornelia Maersk” is the 23rd Maersk Sealand post-Panamax ship of more than 6,000 TEUs.
   The vessel, built by A.P. Moller-owned Odense Steel Shipyard, will undergo sea trial and, after delivery in late June, will enter Maersk Sealand’s worldwide liner service.
   The “Cornelia Maersk” is equipped with an education center for up to 10 cadets, which enables the vessel to be used as a training ship.
   A.P. Moller said that the new ship has a capacity of approximately 6,600 TEUs, but industry databases rate the estimated capacity of Maersk Sealand’s “S-class” mega-ships at about 7,400 TEUs.
   After taking delivery of the last in the series of its “S-class” containerships, Maersk Sealand may receive six new large vessels of 7,600 TEU at the end of this year and in 2003.
   The Danish shipping group has declined to confirm or deny the reputed order.