SIGNALLING a new stage in the reefer world, the first of six reefer box ships have been delivered to specialist operator Seatrade, reports UK's Motorship."Seatrade is increasing its modern reefer capacity aiming for the ever-growing demand for high reefer intake," said Curacao-based Seatrade Group chairman Yntze Buitenwerf.

The 1,800-TEU Liberian flagged SEATRADE CHILE incorporates 639 electrical plugs for refrigerated boxes, corresponding to a 1,278-TEU reefer capacity.

The vessel is powered by an MAN two-stroke, oil-fired main engine, and has been prepared for future use of alternative fuels. Delivered to owners March 20 at Huanghai shipyard from where it set sail to her first load Port of Ningbo. The vessel is unique of its kind with reefer plugs and an additional power generator installed for the extended reefer capacity. The vessel has been built according to the latest optimised hydrodynamic hull design with an S-Bow and twisted bulb rudder making it the most fuel-efficient ship in its segment at the moment.

With a strong focus on reefer cargoes, the vessel is equipped with maintenance bridges and operated at 18.7 knots.Both main and auxiliary engines are Tier 3 compliant. The vessel holds the green passport as well as a clean ship and methanol prepared notation.

As from the next delivery, the SEATRADE PERU in September, deck cranes will be installed.

Source: Maasmond Maritime