MLL invests in new vessels

MLL says its new vessels, Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Detroit, Hartford, Memphis and Pittsburgh, will improve the quality of service to the Middle East and Mediterranean Sea from the US East Coast.

All eight vessels, which are around 10 years younger than the outgoing ships, will join the Maritime Security Programme (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA).

MLL is currently reflagging the new vessels, which will join the company’s weekly Middle East Container Line service (MECL1) throughout May and June. This route serves commercial customers and the US military and transports US grown food aid.

Kevin Speers, senior director, marketing and communications, MLL, told The Motorship: “The eight newer vessels offer improved fuel and environmental performance while ensuring weekly service on MECL1 as we add port calls on the Mediterranean Sea. Every vessel on MECL1 flies the US flag, an important quality for our US government customers.”

Reflagging a ship ensures that it meets the stringent safety, environmental, operation and compliance standards required by the US Coast Guard (USCG) and other US maritime authorites. The Maersk Chicago was the first of the eight vessels to be reflagged on 1 May 2013.