DNV GL has welcomed the world’s largest container ship into class, the MSC Oscar. With its 19,224 teu capacity, it beats the previous record holder, the 19,000 teu CSCL Globe.
Delivered by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in Geoje, South Korea, in January, the MSC Oscar is already plying its trade on the new East-West service.
Energy Efficient
Apart from setting a size benchmark, Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC's) newest vessel has also been designed with a number of efficiency enhancing features. For example, the engine has been optimised so that fuel consumption can be automatically controlled to take into account both speed and weather conditions and it has a broad optimal speed range for enhanced operational flexibility.
Ever Bigger
In less than twenty years the loading capacity of container vessels has more than tripled – with the length of the biggest vessels jumping from just over 300 to 400 metres during that time. MSC Oscar measures in at 395.4 metres long and 59 metres wide with a draft of 16 metres. Initially specified at 18,000 teu, MSC Oscar was expanded during the building phase to add an extra tier above decks.
The container ship is unique in its wide beam design and use of torsion box and hatch coaming plates with steel plate thickness up to 100 mm. The vessel is able to carry dangerous goods in holds, and approximately 1800 reefer containers.
The vessel’s cargo capacity has also been enhanced by implementing the RSCS class notation (Route Specific Container Stowage). The RSCS notation was developed by DNV GL to provide a more efficient usage of cargo capacity with more flexibility for laden containers on board for specific routes while not compromising on safety.
Six Sister Vessels
The vessel’s construction took only eleven months from steel cutting to delivery, which included commissioning and sea trials. MSC Oscar is the first of a series of six ultra large containerships (ULCs) of the Olympic Series. The remaining sister vessels are expected to be completed by November 2015. The first to join the MSC Oscar is the MSC Oliver, to be delivered in April.
MSC has eighteen more vessels of over 19,000 teu on order.
Picture: MSC Oscar at sea trial (by MSC).
