United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) named the industry's most eco-efficient container vessel at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI), Mokpo South Koreatoday. M.V. ˜Barzan' is a part of the industry's first LNG-ready ultra-large container vessel fleet.

With a loading capacity of 18,800TEU, the DNV GL classed vessel M.V. ˜Barzan' is first in a new class of leading ultra-large container vessels that will be the largest in UASC's fleet to date and 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 EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) value that is close to 50% below the 2025 limit set by IMO. UASC 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 UASC vessels.

The M.V. ˜Barzan' has a CO2 output per TEU that is more than 60% below a 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, said 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.

Hinge added, 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.

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, said Mr. G. J. Ha, President and CEO of Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.

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, he added.

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

Technologies previously used by UASC that proved extremely effective in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been applied as best in class standard procedure across the board. 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 energy efficient integrated system to monitor and optimize propulsion systems, machinery operations and navigation decision-making amongst others.