HMM launches 24,000 TEU vessel

HMM held a naming ceremony for a 24,000 TEU-class containership ‘HMM Algeciras’, the world’s largest containership, at the DSME’s (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) Okpo shipyard in Geoje, Korea. After being named, the Algeciras sailed to its maiden call at the Port of Qingdao in China.

At 23,964 the HMM Algeciras is 208 TEU larger than the MSC Gülsün, and also 76 TEU larger than the 23,888 TEU vessels Evergreen currently has on order.

HMM Algeciras is the first of twelve 24,000 TEU-class vessels the carrier has on order for delivery by September, 2020, and is part of a larger order for 20 new vessels. The new vessels, which are on order from three yards, were the key to HMM being accepted into THE Alliance. HMM Algeciras will be deployed on THE Alliance’s Far East Europe 4 (FE4) service, with its port rotation starting at Qingdao, Busan, Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Suez Canal, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, London Gateway, then Singapore via Suez Canal.

The vessel carries the name “HMM”, rather than the "Hyundai" used on previous vessels, reflecting the decision by the company to formally change its name from “Hyundai Merchant Marine Co.. Ltd” to “HMM Co., Ltd” from 1 April.

The HMM Algeciras has a LOA of approximately 399.9m, Beam of 61.0m, and a depth (not draught) of 33.2m. It is flagged in Panama. The vessel is equipped with a scrubber system in preparation for the IMO 2020 environmental regulation. Its “optimised hull design and highly-efficient engine are also expected to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions,” said HMM.

The naming ceremony was attended by 160 VIPs, including Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, and Bae Jae Hoon (President and CEO of HMM). First Lady Kim Jung-sook served as godmother and cut the ropes to officially name the ship.

“For me, it is very meaningful that HMM takes delivery of the most technologically advanced containership in this difficult time. I would like to celebrate it and hope that HMM continues to secure a competitive advantage as a Korean national flagship carrier.”, said Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea.

“HMM will strive to expand its presence in the global shipping industry based on optimised fleet management and new cooperation with THE Alliance.” added Bae Jae Hoon, President & CEO of HMM.