UASC names first LNG-ready 18,800 teu vessel

United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) has named the industry’s first ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) that is ready to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Initially the 18,800 teu ship, the M. V. Barzan, will run on diesel but its design allows an LNG retrofit.

The vessel is one of UASC’s six 18,800 teu vessels and 11 new-build 15,000 teu ships, which are scheduled to be fully delivered by 2016. This year, the UAE-head-quartered shipping line will receive a total of 10 new vessels.