Simatech adds to burgeoning feeder fleet

Simatech Shipping and Forwarding, based in Dubai, has recently taken delivery of 4,350-TEU vessel Sima Genesis from Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding.    Simatech Shipping and Forwarding, based in Dubai, recently took delivery of the 4,350-TEU containership Sima Genesis from Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding.
   The Sima Genesis is the largest containership built exclusively for a feeder operator. “This marks a shift into a larger size of boxships for Simatech and reflects constructive regional expansion,” the company said in a statement.
   The new vessel will be deployed in Simatech’s joint “India Far East Express” (IFX) service with Hanjin and TS Lines, which connects Korea, China, and Southeast Asia with Chennai.
   According to ocean carrier schedule and capacity database BlueWater Reporting, the IFX currently operates with five vessels with an average capacity of 3,887 TEUs. The loop has a full port rotation of Gwangyang, Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Singapore, Port Kelang, Chennai/Madras, Port Kelang, Singapore, Manila and Gwangyang.
   A second order of similar size vessel will be delivered to Simatech by August, with an option for two more in 2016.
   Simatech is the 28th largest container carrier in the world by capacity, according to industry analyst Alphaliner.