UNIVERSAL AFRICA LINES LTD (UAL) has named its new build 8,600dwt cargo ship MV UAL Texas at a festive event at the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam. Shipyard Bodewes launched the MV UAL Texas in May in the Netherlands.
As well as the ship naming, the event also celebrated the new name for UAL’s global agents. In Europe, HMT – established for 30 years and part of the UAL ALLIANCE for many years – adopted the new name Universal Africa Lines Netherlands (UAL NL).
At the festivities Miss Suzanne den Boef, granddaughter of Mr. Jungblut, marked the beginning of a bright future for the new UAL NL as she performed the christening of the latest new build.
The MV UAL Texas complements UAL’s fleet of 16 modern, multi-‐purpose geared vessels. She is a sister vessel of MV UAL Houston, launched in 2012, and features the Groot Cross-‐Bow®, an innovative bow shape with wave piercing abilities.
Groot Ship Design developed the bow shape which reduces slamming and enables the vessel to maintain her speed more easily compared to more conventional bow shapes with bow flare. Thanks to this, the vessel consumes less fuel, reducing emissions and creating a smoother journey in heavy weather.
On her maiden trip she will sail from Aberdeen via Antwerp to various destinations including Malabo, Pointe Noire, Banana and Lobito in West Africa.
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UAL, June 23, 2013