First Ultra-Large Container Ship Sets Sail in 2024
Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL) has proudly unveiled its latest addition to the fleet, the “OOCL Valencia,” a massive 24,000 TEU mega vessel. The naming ceremony took place at the Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard, marking a significant moment in the maritime industry. This colossal vessel is the seventh eco-friendly addition to the 24,188 TEU series, part of a total order of twelve vessels by OOCL. Moreover, it holds the distinction of being the first new vessel for OOCL in 2024, set to operate on the Asia-Europe LL1 service.
The naming ceremony was graced by the presence of Ms. YING Xiuzhen, Director and Vice President of China-Base Ningbo Group Co., Ltd., who bestowed the vessel with the name “OOCL Valencia” and offered her blessings. Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Ms. YU Tao, Director and Member of the Executive Committee of OOCL, expressed her thoughts at the ceremony. She highlighted the achievements of the previous year, where OOCL welcomed six new container vessels, contributing to the optimization of both OOCL’s fleet structure and the group as a whole. Looking ahead, Ms. YU Tao emphasized that in addition to the OOCL Valencia, more high-quality and high-performance ships would be joining the fleet in the new year. She underscored the commitment of OOCL and NACKS to foster a mutually beneficial partnership, aiming for shared growth and the creation of value for customers and society. Ms. YU Tao reiterated OOCL’s dedication to being a pivotal link in global trade, addressing future challenges proactively and striving to provide customers with superior, environmentally friendly end-to-end integrated logistics and supply chain solutions. This, she believes, will contribute to the establishment of a world-leading shipping technology enterprise for the group.
The OOCL Valencia is a remarkable feat in shipbuilding, being the fourth vessel in the same series independently developed, designed, and built by a shipbuilding company in Nantong, Jiangsu Province. Notably, it is the nation’s first ultra-large container ship completed in 2024. The vessel boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 399.99 meters in length, 61.3 meters in width, and 33.2 meters in depth. Its mammoth capacity allows it to accommodate 24,188 standard containers, firmly securing its place among the largest container ships globally. The vessel’s maximum stacking layer is equivalent to the height of a 22-story building, emphasizing its colossal size and capability.
The 24,188 TEU ultra-large container ship is a rare and remarkable vessel, as only a select few shipyards worldwide possess the construction capabilities to design and build such mega vessels. This further establishes the OOCL Valencia as a symbol of cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess in the maritime domain.
Being the seventh eco-friendly addition to the 24,188 TEU series, the OOCL Valencia aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability. As environmental concerns become more prominent, shipping companies are actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. OOCL’s commitment to eco-friendly vessels reflects a broader industry trend toward cleaner and more sustainable shipping practices. This move not only meets regulatory requirements but also responds to the growing demand from consumers and stakeholders for environmentally responsible operations.
As OOCL’s first new vessel in 2024 designated for the Asia-Europe service, the OOCL Valencia is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and capacity of OOCL’s shipping operations on this crucial route. The Asia-Europe trade lane is one of the busiest and most significant in the world, connecting major economic hubs in Asia with those in Europe. The introduction of such a massive and technologically advanced vessel underscores OOCL’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient shipping services on this critical trade route.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the OOCL Valencia represents a significant milestone in the maritime industry. Beyond its sheer size and impressive specifications, the vessel embodies the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As OOCL and NACKS continue their collaborative efforts, the OOCL Valencia stands as a testament to the possibilities of cutting-edge shipbuilding and the ongoing evolution of the global shipping industry. This mega vessel not only expands OOCL’s fleet capabilities but also sets a standard for environmentally conscious and technologically advanced shipping in the years to come.
