SIMIC

CHINESE media reported that the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) received its largest box ship from South China shipbuilders on July 24, intended for cargo transport operations in the region, reports Manila PortCalls.

The 16,616-TEU MSC Noa Arieila, embarked on its operations in the Nansha district of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, after being built collaboratively by Guangzhou Shipyard International Co Ltd and China Shipbuilding Trading Co Ltd.



It stands as the largest box ship to be constructed by South Chinese shipyards, as stated by GSI in a press release.



The ship measures 366 metres in length, 51 metres in width, and has a moulded depth of 30.2 metres with a draft of 14.5 metres.



The vessel marks the first of eight container ships being built for Mediterranean Shipping Co under a contract signed by GSI and MSC in March 2021.



The shipyard dealt with technical challenges, such as the use of crack-resistant steels and automated welding of such materials, under the guidance of an expert group from CSSC.



In terms of environmental protection, MSC Noa Arieila incorporates advanced desulphurization and denitrification systems.



The first six vessels of the series are equipped with reserved liquefied natural gas power capabilities, while the rest will use a LNG dual-fuel propulsion system, adhering to the latest environmental emission standards.



Furthermore, the vessel comes equipped with a shaft generator, producing 4,000 kilowatts, capable of meeting the vessel's electricity demands when connected to the grid with one main generator.



Notably, the ship also features a world-leading air drag reduction system.



During sailing, the on-board air compression system pumps compressed air into the vessel's bottom, creating an air layer that reduces drag and minimizes fuel consumption.



MSC Noa Arieila's delivery occurred just a week after its sister vessel, the 24,000-TEU MSC Michel Cappellani was named in a ceremony at the MSC Gate Terminal in Bremerhaven Port.



The naming ceremony celebrated the conclusion of the ship's maiden voyage from Ningbo, China, to Northern Europe following its delivery by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Co.