MOL to build new 'Handy Cape' bulk carriers

Tokyo: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced that it is to build two new 116,000dwt general-purpose bulk carriers in conjunction with Osaka based Sanoyas Hishino Meisho (SHM). The "Handy Cape" vessels, jointly developed by the companies, are larger than the current Panamax vessels and more versatile than the larger Cape-size bulkers. MOL and SHM expect delivery of both vessels by 2010 and hope to cater to trade changes cause by the planned expansion of the Panama Canal.  [22/12/06]