The US classification society ABS has been selected to class Maersk Line’s eleven 19,360 TEU container ship newbuildings ordered last month at South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).
The order includes options for the construction of up to six additional vessels.
ABS was chosen to class 20 of the Triple-E container ships that Maersk ordered from the same shipyard four years ago.
While the new additions will be slightly larger, Maersk Line indicated that energy efficiency, economy of scale and the environment are still central considerations.
“ABS is pleased that the Maersk Group has expressed its continued confidence by classing these innovative ships with us,” said ABS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tony Nassif.
“ABS offices worldwide, working in unison, are providing support and analysis for Maersk in the latest standards and international codes, including the energy efficiency standards measured and mandated by the IMO.”
The newbuildings, which will be the largest container ships in the Danish carrier’s fleet, are due for delivery between April 2017 and May 2018.