Maersk names purpose-built vessel from Hyundai Heavy Industries

The world's biggest shipping firm A.P. Moller – Maersk has on Monday named the first of a series of 22 container ships built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea. Maersk Conakry, named after the capital of Guinea, and the 21 other West Africa MAX (WAFMAX) vessels will be the largest container ships able to call West Africa, according to Maersk. Maersk said these ships use 30% less bunker fuel per container moved than the industry average on the Asia-Africa trade. “The WAFMAX vessels with their greater capacity and energy efficiency support that ambition and extend our commitment to these important growth markets,” said Hanne Sorensen, chief commercial officer of Maersk Line. The 4,500 teu WAFMAX vessels are purpose-built to provide Maersk Line's Asian customers with direct services to West African ports. The vessels are to be delivered this year and in 2012.