HMM names the world’s largest containership

The 23,964 teu HMM Algeciras was named at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) yard in Okpo, Geoje.

It is the first in a series of twelve 24,000 teu containerships ordered by HMM, and eclipses the current largest boxships of 23,656 teu MSC’s Gülsün-Class ships owned by Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) by just under 300 teu.

DSME is building seven 24,000 teu vessels for HMM, while Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) is building five, with delivery expected through to September this year. The vessels are fitted with scrubbers to meet the requirements of IMO 2020.

The naming ceremony was attendedby around 160, including Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea; Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and  Minister of Economy and Finance; Moon Seong-hyeok, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries; Eun Sung-soo, Chairman of Financial Services Commission; Lee Dong Gull, chairman and ceo of Korea Development Bank; Hwang Ho-seon, president of Korea Ocean Business Corporation; and Bae Jae Hoon, president and ceo of HMM.

“For me, it is very meaningful that HMM takes delivery of the most technologically  advanced containership in this difficult time. I would like to celebrate it and hope that HMM continues to secure a competitive advantage as a Korean national flagship carrier.”, said Korean President Moon.

Related:HMM to join THE Alliance

HMM ceo and president Bae said: “HMM will strive to expand its presence in the global shipping industry based on optimised fleet management and new cooperation with THE Alliance.”

The HMM Algeciras will be deployed on THE Alliance’s Far East Europe 4 (FE4) service connecting Asia and North Europe.

In addition to the twelve 24,000 teu boxships HMM also has eight 16,000 teu newbuilds on order from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).