APL, a subsidiary of Singapore’s Neptune Orient Lines, has taken delivery of a newbuild 14,000-TEU container vessel from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries. The ship, named the MOL Quality, first named the APL Advance, comes as the fourth of ten 14,000-TEU vessels and has been chartered to Mitsui OSK Lines.
The first vessel from the series that was delivered is the APL Temasek, the second was MOL QUEST (March) followed by the 3rd 14,000-TEU vessel APL Raffles handed over in May.
These newbuildings are part of a US$4 billion fleet renewal programme aimed at improving NOL’s slot cost. They are replacing older, less efficient ships that are either sold or returned to charter owners.
The 14,000-TEU series of ships feature several innovations that improve operational efficiency. For example, its S-type long-stroke main engine is equipped with electronic fuel injection, which is optimised to operate at various loads efficiently.
In addition, its specially designed bow and broader hull form improve operating efficiency at various speeds, especially for slow steaming. NOL estimates that with the new design, it is able to improve fuel efficiency by about 20% to 30% per TEU for a speed range of 15-18 knots, compared to previous designs.
By consuming less fuel, this new series of ships will also emit less carbon emissions. Its fuel efficiency, measured by the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), is certified to be 33% better than guidelines set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
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World Maritime News Staff, June 26, 2013