APL's new state-of-the-art ships

APL's next generation of vessels will offer greater reliability, efficiency and speed. And these vessels will be equipped with the most modern, powerful and environmentally friendly engines.

APL is committed to helping customers move their goods seamlessly and to enhancing the quality of life of the global community. Our investment in eight new 10,000 TEU vessels, when built, will be among the world's largest, fastest and most environmentally advanced vessels.

Hyundai Heavy Industries will build four 10,100 TEU vessels while Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering will build four 10,700 TEU vessels.

In terms of design, the new APL vessels will be truly state-of-the-art. With additional container capacity and powerful engines, the vessels will serve the fast-growing Asia-Europe trade routes, delivering more cargo to customers in Europe and Asia, faster than ever before.

APL's investment in these containerships better positions us to serve the huge Chinese market and meet the world's demand for Asia's exports.

"These vessels will enter service when many existing and new terminals will have the next generation of container handling equipment suited to the new generation of container vessels," said APL CEO Ron Widdows.

The new vessels will have design speeds in excess of 26 knots. And powering the new vessels will be MAN B&W 14K98ME-C7 engines specially developed to meet demanding operational and environmental requirements. These engines will be the largest, most modern in the world, and will generate a massive output of 84,280 kilowatts or 115,000 BHP. The 14-cylinder engines will be 12.5 metres high, 4.37 metres wide, 29 metres long and will weigh close to 2,000 tonnes.

The vessels will be designed with an advanced, electronic user-interface that intuitively monitors engine performance. This electronic control of fuel injection and exhaust valves leads to lower fuel consumption, lower cylinder-oil consumption and improved emission with smokeless operation at any load. In fact, exhasut plumes will be invisible because smoke values are so low. The Alpha Lubricator component also helps ensure very low lube-oil consumption, which in turn reduces particulate emissions.

And with specifications that ensure nitrogen oxide emissions are below current International Maritime Organisation limits, APL will meet future emission regulations.

Other new features include a totally enclosed wheelhouse and sophisticated navigation system, full spade rudder for superior performance and efficiency and double hull protected fuel oil tanks for greater environmental protection.

"The new engines will allow us to fulfil our customers' needs for speed and reliability as well as pay attention to the environmental impact of our operations," said Mr Widdows.