UASC Names Its First LNG-Ready ULCV

United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) named its first LNG-ready ultra-large container vessel at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI), Mokpo South Korea today.

With a loading capacity of 18,800 TEU, the DNV GL classed vessel M.V. ‘Barzan’ will be the largest in UASC’s fleet to date and will set new standards for fuel and energy efficiency, due to optimized vessel design and an array of propulsion and equipment efficiency technologies, the shipping company said.

Preliminary calculations indicate an EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) value that is close to 50% below the 2025 limit set by IMO.

UASC said it was working to establish a range of additional metrics and targets through which the efficiency of UASC’s vessels can be managed to drive further reduction in carbon emissions across all UASC vessels.

The M.V. ‘Barzan’ has a CO2 output per TEU that is more than 60% below the 13,500 TEU vessels delivered just three years ago.

“We understand that providing environmentally friendly transport solutions and recognizing environmental initiatives around the globe are no longer a choice; they are a necessity for both our organization and our customers”, said Jørn Hinge, President and Chief Executive Officer of UASC.

“M.V. ‘Barzan’ and the 18,800 TEU fleet will complement the 15,000 TEU fleet, being gradually delivered since November 2014 and operating on the Asia-Europe trades as part of the Ocean 3 services. There, Barzan will deliver the industry’s lowest per-container levels of CO2 output.”

“I am certain this vessel will further promote UASC’s and its alliance partner’s business competitiveness, and our own reputation as Builders, thereby paving the way for a closer relationship between UASC and Hyundai Heavy Industries Group,”  said G. J. Ha, President and CEO of Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.

UASC’s eleven newbuild 15,000 TEU and six 18,800 TEU vessels are scheduled to be fully delivered by 2016. This year, UASC will receive a total of 10 new vessels.

Technologies and solutions deployed on the M.V. ‘Barzan’ and all 18,800 TEU vessels include shore-to-ship power supply solution for zero emissions at berth and energy efficient integrated system to monitor and optimize propulsion systems, machinery operations and navigation decision-making among others, UASC added.