Evergreen to renew fleet by chartering 7 more 14,000 TEUers
TAIWAN's Evergreen Line is to charter a further seven 14,000 TEU newbuildings as part of a fleet renewal programme that aims to optimise the competitiveness of its operating fleet and reduce the carrier's unit costs.
The identity of the buyer that will order the ships and lease them to Evergreen is unknown. Delivery is scheduled for 2016 and 2017.
The new additions will replace smaller chartered vessels that are to be returned, so that "operating tonnage therefore will not be increased," according to a company statement, reports Lloyd's List.
The shipping line that is ranked fourth in the world with a total fleet of one million TEU said, "The newbuildings will be replacements for existing vessels and balanced by the redelivery of currently chartered ships when charter periods expire."
The carrier's fleet includes 21 ships on order with a combined capacity of 214,400 TEU.
These consist of a series of L-class 8,500 TEU and 13,800 TEU ships being taken on long-term charter from Greece's Enesel. The first few vessels of this 10-strong order have already been delivered.
