UASC names first gas-ready ULCV at HHI

The 15,000teu A15 ship is classed by DNV GL and is said to be the largest and most eco-efficient vessel in this capacity range. Preliminary calculations indicate an EEDI value close to 50% below the 2025 limit established by the IMO. Sajir will start operating on the Asia–North Europe route after delivery. Ten further A15 vessels and six 18,800teu (A18) box ships will be delivered from Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries to UASC by mid-2016.

UASC says that CO2 output per TEU for this new class will be 22% less than for a 13,500 TEU vessel delivered only two years ago. The environmental credentials are further enhanced by the fact that these vessels are designed and prepared for a quick and cost-efficient LNG retrofit at a later stage. The ‘LNG-ready’ concept has received Approval in Principle from DNV GL, and is in addition to the CLEAN class notation, and energy efficiency certificate with documented EEDI.

All A15 vessels will be equipped with an approved BWTS and will be fitted for shore power. They have been structurally designed for 25 years of operation in the North Atlantic, which UASC says is far beyond the normal standard. A DNV GL approved hull stress monitoring system will provides guidance to the crew during operation.

UASC chairman H.E. Salem Ali Al Zaabi 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.”

“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 realising it,” said Choi Kil-Seon, CEO of Hyundai Heavy Industries.

“By combining leading innovations in ship design, propulsion technology, energy management and container stowage, the UASC newbuildings set new standards in container shipping,” said Tor Svensen, CEO of DNV GL Maritime.