OOCL orders another four 8,063-TEU ships from Samsung

OOCL orders another four 8,063-TEU ships from Samsung    OOCL has ordered another four 8,063-TEU “SX-class” containerships from Korean shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries at a total cost of about $477 million.
   The Hong Kong-based carrier has already received 10 ships from an original 12-ship order placed with Samsung. The four new vessels are expected to be delivered from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2010.
   Orient Overseas (International) Ltd., OOCL’s parent company, said it expects to finance 80 percent of the transaction itself and is looking for financing for the remaining amount.
   “It is the view of the directors that ownership of the vessels will improve both the operating efficiency and profitability of the group, OOIL said in a statement.