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United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) has named what it describes as "the industry's most eco-efficient container vessel" at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI), in Mokpo, South Korea today. The M.V. Barzan [pictured] is an LNG-ready ultra-large container ship (ULCS).

With a loading capacity of 18,800 TEU, the DNV GL-classed vessel is the first in a new type of ultra-large container vessels that will be the largest in UASC's fleet to date.

According to UASC, the ships will "set new standards for fuel and energy efficiency, due to optimized vessel design and an array of propulsion and equipment efficiency technologies".

Preliminary calculations indicate an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) value that is close to 50 percent below the 2025 limit set by IMO. UASC says it is working to establish a range of additional metrics and targets through which the efficiency of UASC's vessels can be managed to drive further reduction in carbon emissions across all its fleet.

The M.V. Barzan is said to have a carbon dioxide (CO2) output per TEU that is more than 60 percent below 13,500-TEU vessels delivered just three years ago.

"We understand that providing environmentally friendly transport solutions and recognizing environmental initiatives around the globe are no longer a choice; they are a necessity for both our organization and our customers," commented Jørn Hinge, President and Chief Executive Officer of UASC.

"M.V. Barzan and the 18,800-TEU fleet will complement the 15,000-TEU fleet, being gradually delivered since November 2014 and operating on the Asia-Europe trades as part of the Ocean 3 services. There, Barzan will deliver the industry's lowest per-container levels of CO2 output.

"We are increasingly servicing environmentally aware customers across the globe. We push the boundaries of eco-efficiency standards to ultimately ensure that our customers can achieve higher levels of environmental sustainability," Hinge added.

Mr. G. J. Ha, President and CEO of Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, remarked: "The M.V. Barzan is equipped with an eco-friendly system incorporating state-of-the-art technologies to meet the reinforced maritime regulations and provide UASC with a competitive advantage. I am certain this vessel will further promote UASC's and its alliance partner's business competitiveness, and our own reputation as builders, thereby paving the way for a closer relationship between UASC and Hyundai Heavy Industries Group."

UASC's eleven newbuild 15,000-TEU and six 18,800-TEU vessels are scheduled to be fully delivered by 2016. This year, UASC is due to receive a total of 10 new vessels.

UASC says it has made use of previously used technology that has "proved extremely effective in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions".

Technologies and solutions deployed on the M.V. Barzan and all 18,800-TEU vessels include shore-to-ship power supply solution for zero emissions at berth and an energy efficient integrated system to monitor and optimize propulsion systems, machinery operations and navigation decision-making.