Hapag-Lloyd has ordered five modern container ships from the South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) for its South American trade. Each of the new ships is 333 meters long, 48 meters wide and has capacity for 10,500 standard containers (TEU). In addition, they are equipped with a highly efficient main engine, an optimized hull shape and an innovative lashing and loading system for greater flexibility when loading. Another advantage is that each ship has space for up to 2,100 reefers.

The shipyard in South Korea will start delivering the new ships as early as November next year. Time is pressing, as the first ship is supposed to be ready in time for the 2017 Latin American reefer season following the planned opening of the expanded Panama Canal next year.

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