Maersk orders PCTC quartet

Copenhagen-based A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S has ordered four PCTCs (pure car and truck carriers) from China’s Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry. The Danish shipowner has an option for delivery of another four ships of the same type, which can transport 4,900 cars each. Xiamen will deliver the ships from 2010 through 2012.

On 1 February Maersk started a partnership with Norway’s Hoegh Autoliners on transporting cars to boost its involvement in the growing market. Industry sources estimate the ships would cost between $58 million and $59 million each.