K Line announces order for ten new container ships
4500 TEU ships from Hyundai Heavy Industries

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" Line), Tokyo,has announced its decision to place an order for 10 new 4500TEU type containerships with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.

This particular type vessel has been newly designed by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., based on K Line's requirements, having the same loading capacity as Panamax-max type containerships (Nominal Capacity 5100TEU) but equipped with even better drive.

Delivery of these medium-sized containerships will begin in 2010 and ready for deployment in many roles throughout the company's network such as East-West Trunk line trades, West/South Asia service and North/South Trade.

These new 4500TEU containerships will replace the current 3500TEU containerships.

K Line say they will also be catering for additional increase in cargo movements as well as provide even further improvements in both service quality and competitiveness of the company’s constantly expanding fleet. The company said this latest order reflects "K" Line’s wish to further reinforce its ability to provide even better service quality for its customers.

The main specs are as follows:

4500TEU type
LOA 267.0 m
Width 35.4 m
Draft 10.8 m
Capacity 4500 TEU
Service Speed 24.1 knots