Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores (CSAV) has christened the first two out of seven 9,300 TEU container ships ordered at Samsung Heavy Industries.
CSAV said that the latest additions, named Copiapó and Cautín will have the main engine fuel consumption approximately 7% less than the vessels received from 2011 and around 25% lower than the average of vessels of this size currently in operation in the industry. They also have a 4.5% increase in the cargo capacity.
“The integration of these vessels is part of the company’s restructuring strategy which included an increase on its own fleet. In this context the company made a significant capital injection for the acquisition of assets,” said CSAV CEO Oscar Hasbún. “Their incorporation will also replace part of the chartered vessels, so by the end of 2015 about 50% of our fleet will be owned by CSAV, one of the most modern and efficient of the industry.”
These containerships can reach speeds of 10 to 22 knots at maximum load, and are fitted with 1,400 plugs for refrigerated containers. Their Twin Island design allows for maximum use of spaces, increasing the capacity of cargo on deck and keeping the dimensions within ranges that are very convenient for manoeuvres.
MV Copiapó will be delivered on November 26 and will start operations in Shanghai on the trade between Asian ports and the Persian Gulf; while MV Cautín will be received on December 18 and will operate on the service linking the ports of Northern Europe with the East Coast of South America.
Press Release