MSC adds three new LNG-fueled boxships to roster

Chinese shipbuilder New Times Shipbuilding (NTS) has held a christening ceremony for three dual-fuel containerships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which were constructed for Swiss giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

As disclosed, the naming was held on April 16 and April 17 this year, marking the handover of the 8,100 TEU MSC Namibia and MSC Cameroon, and of the 11,400 TEU vessel dubbed MSC Flora, which is said to be the inaugural newbuild of its series.

As informed, the former two are 260 meters long, while MSC Flora boasts a length of 335 meters. Moreover, the 87,000 dwt MSC Cameroon and the 90,000 dwt MSC Namibia feature a width of 48 meters, while the 11,400 TEU unit possesses a width of 46 meters.

Sailing under the Liberian flag, the three container vessels are expected to ‘significantly’ slash harmful pollutant emissions. Since they run on LNG, the units could reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 20–25% compared to conventional marine fuels, while also cutting sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by over 90%, as estimates show.

According to New Times