Maersk Line is pleased to announce that A.P. Moller – Maersk has signed an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the delivery of 18 container vessels in 2011 and 2012. The vessels will each have a capacity of 4,500 TEU (twenty- foot equivalent unit).

The ships are designed to meet the highest demands for safe and economic transportation of goods in geographies such as the Eastern Mediterranean, Africa, and Latin America. In addition, each vessel is equipped with a waste heat recovery system. The system reuses excess heat from the exhaust and thus generates energy for propulsion of the vessel or on-board electricity consumption. The reduction in fuel consumption results in a corresponding reduction of emissions. It is the first time that an Asian yard will install a waste heat recovery system of this size and efficiency.

“We are very happy with this order. These vessels are part of our fleet renewal and development programme. They will enable us to continue to offer competitive container shipping based on a modern, economical, and environmentally friendly fleet,” says Senior Vice President Michel Deleuran, Head of Network & Product in Maersk Line. Read more here.