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International classification society DNV GL has signed a newbuilding classification agreement with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) for the classification of three 20,000 TEU ultra large container ships (ULCS) for COSCO Container Lines Co., Ltd. (COSCON).

Scheduled for delivery in the beginning of January 2018, the vessels will be dual classed by DNV GL and China Classification Society (CCS) and will be deployed in the Far East–Europe trade.

“This contract is another milestone in China’s evolution into one of the world’s leading shipbuilding nations,” said Jan-Olaf Probst, Head of Business Development Hamburg.

“SWS has been on a very strong development path and has consistently been one of the top Chinese yards in terms of efficiency and innovation, so it is only fitting that they are the first yard to top the 20,000 TEU mark in China.”

Designed by the Marine Design & Research Institute of China (MARIC), this next generation ULCS represents the first 20,000 TEU plus container ship contracted to be built in China. Developed around the concept of “safe, green and economic”, the design also takes into consideration COSCON’s operational requirements with a focus on efficiencies in both fuel consumption and cargo load.

The vessels will have DNV GL’s Gas Ready notation, which will give COSCON a much easier pathway for a future conversion to operation with LNG as fuel if so desired. They will also have DNV GL’s Route Specific Container Stowage (RSCS) notation.

Additionally, the vessels will be constructed to meet the highest EEDI standard and ECA requirements. They also have double-hull protection of fuel tanks and ballast water treatment systems in anticipation of upcoming regulations.