ABS to class Maersk’s largest boxships
ABS, a leading provider of maritime shipping and offshore classification services, has been selected to class 11 ultra-large containerships (ULCs) for Maersk Line A/S of Denmark, the company said in its press release.
The carrier, which is among the world’s largest, ordered the 19,630 TEU vessels from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) of South Korea last month in a deal that includes options to build up to six additional vessels.
ABS was chosen to class 20 of the Triple-E containerships that Maersk ordered from the same shipyard four years ago. While the new additions will be slightly larger the owner indicated energy efficiency, economy of scale and the environment are still central considerations.
“ABS is pleased that the Maersk Group has expressed its continued confidence by classing these innovative ships with us,” says ABS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tony Nassif. “ABS offices worldwide, working in unison, are providing support and analysis for Maersk in the latest standards and international codes, including the energy efficiency standards measured and mandated by the IMO.”
Much like the first generation of Triple-E containerships this second order will allow the carrier to further increase operational efficiencies over and above those of other vessels involved in the Asia to Europe trade while maintaining its market share in line with container trade volumes.
The newbuildings, which will be the largest containerships in the Danish carrier’s fleet, are due for delivery between April 2017 and May 2018.
ABS has served the containership segment for more than 50 years. From ultra-large to LNG-powered, as a leading provider of classification services to some of the largest and most sophisticated containerships ever built, it should come as no surprise that the organization’s reputation as a pioneer in this sector continues to this day.
About ABS
Founded in 1862, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is an international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.
