Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd (OOCL) has introduced its first 24 188-TEU new-generation ultra-large box ship to its fleet.
The new vessel was officially named OOCL Spain at a ceremony held at the No 2 outfitting quay of Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co (NACKS) in Nantong, China on Thursday.
Capable of carrying up to 24 188 TEUs, and with a total length of 399.99 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the OOCL Spain was built by Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co.
She is not only the first of the firm’s vessels to exceed the 24 000-TEU threshold, but also among the largest container ships in the world, measured by carrying capacity. The vessel has been awarded three Smart Ship notations by the American Bureau of Shipping.
This is recognition that it uses the latest intelligent technology onboard, together with big data acquisition, which will optimise the operations, enabling fuel efficiency improvements, gains in structural health monitoring, and long-term navigational safety.
LIU Xuewen, vice president of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co, a solar technology business partner of the shipping line, named the vessel at the ceremony.
The box ship is the first of a series of six 24 188-TEU vessels that OOCL ordered in 2020.
Kenny Ye, chief operating officer of OOCL, said the new vessel was of great significance to the firm.
"OOCL Spain is not only the first newbuilding that has been delivered to us in over five years, but it is also OOCL’s first vessel with a capacity of over 24 000 TEUs. More importantly, she is the first newbuilding received since the company joined the COSCO Shipping Group, and so it is the first vessel jointly created by OOCL and other sister companies,” he said.
NACKS had used its own research and development and technological capabilities to design the mega vessel, which was equipped with the most advanced eco-friendly and intelligent technologies, he added.
