The China Navigation Company ("CNCo") has announced that it has placed an order for eight new container vessels designed by SDARI, China's leading ship design house, and built in Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard. They will be CNCo's largest containership new buildings to date in terms of deadweight tonnage (30,450-33,600 dwt) and container capacity (2,350-2,750 TEUs).

The vessels will feature a modern integrated bridge design and will be delivered with VSAT internet connectivity. They will have enhanced cargo capability, including two holds fitted with cell guide stoppers and strengthened tank tops to enable their use in multiple roles, as well as strengthened hatch covers to allow project cargo to be carried on deck.

Considerable effort has been made to reduce the ships' environmental footprint. The hull shape is optimised for fuel efficiency and LED lighting will be fitted throughout. Open loop hybrid-ready scrubbers will be installed to comply with the 0.5% sulphur limit which comes into force on 1st January 2020. Hybrid scrubbers provide the flexibility to collect sulphur emissions onboard and dispose of it responsibly onshore, rather than it washing into the ocean.

The first vessel, Changsha, will be delivered in late 2019, followed by Chefoo, Chekiang and Chengtu.