BV unveils plans for 12 500 TEU container ships

FRENCH classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) is anticipating the demand for container slots on ships to grow to such an extent in the next ten years that it has unveiled plans for a container ship capable of carrying 12 500 TEU. This is almost twice the size of the largest existing container ships, although several 8 000TEU ships are on the drawing boards. "There are nearly 15 major terminals which could accommodate a ship of this size," says BV's product manager for containers and dry bulk, Matthieu de-Tugny. "There are several feasible technical solutions to developing such ships, which represent new designs, not simply extensions of current thinking. At capacities over 10 000 TEU, conventional designs cannot be maintained. It is a challenge for the whole shipping industry. As a class society, we try to ensure safety by assessing and solving any potential difficulties in advance."