Namsung Shipping has taken delivery of a pair of newly built 1,000TEU ships, Star Chaser and Star Ranger, and will deploy the vessels to its South Korea-Japan and South Korea-Hong Kong-Hai Phong services.
The South Korean feeder operator christened the ships at compatriot shipyard Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering, in the presence of its chairman, Kim Young-chi and CEO, Kim Yong-gyu.
The vessels were based on designs produced by Namsung’s subsidiary, Magellan Marine Solutions, Dae Sun and Pusan National University.
By reducing fuel consumption by 13% compared to existing ships and improving the ship’s energy efficiency index (EEDI) by 40%, the vessels meet the International Maritime Organization’s Level 4 environmental regulations, which will come into effect in 2030.
Star Chaser commenced service on 15 December, replacing chartered ships on the BKH service that connects Busan, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kawasaki and Iyomishima. Star Ranger will be delivered in February 2022 and Namsung plans to assign the vessel to its South Korea-Hong Kong-Hai Phong service.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
