02-Nov-2005
Thamesport (London) Limited welcomed the inaugural call of Evergreen’s 7,024-TEU Hatsu Shine on Monday 31st October 2005. The 300-metre-long vessel is the first of two ‘S’-type vessels that will be introduced onto Evergreen’s China-Europe-Mediterranean (CEM) service through the Medway port.
The vessel is operated by Hatsu Marine Limited, which is, along with Lloyd Triestino, part of the Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taipei). Evergreen have purchased a total of ten of the ‘S’-type vessels, which are being manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. The Hatsu Shine’s sister vessels, the Hatsu Sigma and Hatsu Smart, have also recently been launched in Tokyo.
In order to accommodate the new generation of larger vessels, Thamesport has recently completed an ambitious modification programme to five of its quayside cranes. The cranes have had their maximum hoist height increased by three metres and outreach extended by 2.5 metres, meaning that they can now efficiently handle vessels such as the Hatsu Shine, which can stow containers across 17 rows and up to 7 tiers above deck.
David Gledhill, Chief Operating Officer of Thamesport, said:
“We have been working in partnership with Evergreen for 15 years now, and are delighted to welcome the Hatsu Shine to Thamesport. The addition of this new generation of container vessel to the Hatsu fleet marks a further and significant development in our relationship. The additional capacity now available on this route means that Thamesport can expect to handle even greater volumes of cargo from the Far East in the future.”
He added:
“The fact that these new vessels incorporate so many environmental features that extend well beyond international requirements is further evidence of the forward-thinking approach that Evergreen take to container shipping; it is this industry insight that is a major factor in the Company’s success.”
Notably, the ‘S’-type vessels feature a range of pioneering environmental measures. They incorporate a double-skinned hull, and all fuel tanks are located within the transverse bulkheads, thus minimising the risk of oil pollution or fire as a result of grounding or collision.
A high capacity oily water separator enables the oil content of wastewater to be reduced to just 15ppm, while much larger separator bilge oil and bilge oil holding tanks provide more storage capacity than normal, enabling the vessels to avoid any discharge when sailing in sensitive areas and to maximise the amount of waste that can be held for ultimate disposal in specialised shore facilities.
The main engines and generators incorporate low NOx technology, while the vessels are also able to switch to low sulphur fuels when sailing in restricted areas, such as the Baltic Sea.
To commemorate the inaugural visit of the Hatsu Shine to Thamesport, Mr. Paul Ho, Commercial Director of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, presented Mr. Maurice Storey, Chairman of Hatsu Marine, and Mr Jason Lin, President of Hatsu Marine, with a signed copy of a limited-edition print from a newly commissioned painting of the Port. Chris Hall, Divisional Manager of Thamesport, presented the Master of the vessel, Captain Wei-Lee Rau, with another signed copy of the painting by local Medway artist, Chris Jarvis. The ceremony on board the vessel was attended by a delegation of Evergreen and Hatsu Marine officials.