UASC ship design optimized

   DNV-GL, the classification society formed last month through the merger of Det Norske Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd, said its FutureShip has collaborated with Hyundai Heavy Industry to optimize the design of new ships being built for United Arab Shipping Co. (UASC).
   UASC has ordered five 14,000-TEU ships with six options and five 18,000-TEU ships with one option.
   A number of designs were assessed based on total costs of transport per container-mile for UASC’s specific trading pattern, taking into account both capital investment and operational costs.
   The new ship designs are currently being finalized at HHI with deliveries scheduled between 2014 and 2016.
   Jorn Hinge, the company’s chief executive officer, said these will be the first large containerships to be “LNG ready” at delivery.