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World's first LNG-ready container ship named in Ulsan

The world's first LNG-ready ultra-large container ship has been named MV Sajir in South Korea by the United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) on Dec. 16. The 15,000teu Sajir will be operated on routes from Asia to Northern Europe after delivery later in 2015. LNG-ready means the vessel has been built with double wall gas piping, a dual-fuel main engine and the space needed for later retrofitting of tanks and regasification equipment so the ship can burn LNG in addition to heavy fuel oil or marine gas oil. Sajir will be joined by a further 16 ultra large containerships, 10 of the A15 class (15,000teu) and six larger ones of 18,800teu, all to be delivered to UASC from Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries by mid-2016.

UASC Names First Ever LNG-Ready Ultra Large Container Vessel at HHI Shipyard in Ulsan

United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) today named the industry’s first ever LNG-ready ultra large container vessel. MV “Sajir” is the first vessel in UASC’s current newbuilding program, comprising 17 of the world’s most eco-efficient vessels. With a capacity of 15,000 TEU (A15), the DNV GL classed vessel is the largest and most eco-efficient vessel in this capacity range. Preliminary calculations indicate an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) value that is close to 50% below the 2025 limit established by the IMO. MV “Sajir” will start operating on the Asia–North Europe route after delivery. Ten further A15 vessels and six 18,800 TEU (A18) box ships will be delivered from Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries to UASC by mid-2016. Speaking at today’s naming ceremony in Ulsan, H.E. Salem Ali Al Zaabi, Chairman of UASC, said: “At UASC, we see efficiency as a key competitive differentiator in an increasing competitive market. Whether it stems from improving vessel design through our newbuilding program, strategic partnerships or empowering our people onboard and ashore to deliver improvements, efficiency pervades every facet of our expansion plans. The “Sajir” perfectly embodies this ethos and, as the first of 17 vessels in our current newbuilding program, represents an important milestone in the evolution of UASC.” “UASC is proud of its Middle Eastern heritage and the “Sajir” takes its name from an area in Saudi Arabia that is known for its luscious landscape and farming heritage. We hope the “Sajir” personifies her namesake in many ways, with a long and fruitful career and full cargo holds,” Al Zaabi added. “These highly efficient vessels help us significantly reduce the amount of fuel we consume per container,” said Jorn Hinge, President and Chief Executive Officer of UASC. “We operate one of the world’s youngest container vessel fleets and are committed to making it more environmentally sustainable. The A15 vessels go beyond what regulations require and set new standards in terms of efficient, safe and sustainable operations,” he remarked. “Energy efficiency and sustainability are instrumental in developing and constructing state of the art container ships – and the A15 vessels fall in this category. We are happy to be working with UASC on this truly innovative project and are pleased that our technical expertise could help the owner in realizing it,” said Choi Kil-Seon, Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Heavy Industries.