Swire Shipping, the deep sea liner division of The China Navigation Company (CNCo), recently took delivery of the MV Suva Chief, the third of four geared 2750 TEU container vessels.
The vessel was introduced to East Southeast Asia service for its maiden voyage, calling into Port of Suva to discharge containers before travelling to Auckland. Cargo was then loaded for Brisbane, Lae and Motukea Island, Papua New Guinea before returning to Asia to join the fixed-day fortnightly North Asia Express (NAX) service which services Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Kaohsuing, Lae, Port Moresby and Townsville.
Built at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in China, the Hong Kong flagged Suva Chief, is 185 metres long, has a deadweight of 36,919 tonnes with a maximum TEU intake of 2780 including 284 reefer capacity. The latest series of ‘Chief class’ vessels delivered by CNCo represents increased container carrying capacity while still maintaining breakbulk capability.
In line with the wider Swire Shipping fleet, the vessel is designed with multipurpose capabilities including three 45 tonnes cranes (twin lift up to 90 tonnes) strengthened tank tops, and stoppers fitted within cell guides allowing for break bulk cargoes to be stowed below containers.
The vessel has speed capability of up to 18 knots and is powered by a six cylinder (17,400 kW) diesel engine.
