EVERGREEN's vice-group chairman Marcel Chang has dismissed suggestions that it was a mistake to order so many 8,500-TEU ships just as competitors were investing in considerably larger vessels.
Evergreen defends order for thirty 8,500-TEU ships as 'flexibility'EVERGREEN's vice-group chairman Marcel Chang has dismissed suggestions that it was a mistake to order so many 8,500-TEU ships just as competitors were investing in considerably larger vessels.
The Taiwanese shipping line is taking delivery of thirty 8,500 TEU ships, the 18th of which was delivered just weeks ago.
"No, we think it was a correct decision," said Mr Chang, reported Lloyd's List. "There is greater flexibility with the deployment of 8,500-TEU ships.
"They can be utilised in many trades, including the Far East to North America, South America and Middle East routes."
Mr Chang said the more recent decision to acquire both 13,800 and 14,000-TEU ships through lease deals reflected technological advances of more modern tonnage, and the formation of new-style alliances.
Evergreen has finally signed up as a full member of the CKYH Alliance on the Asia-Europe trades.
"We have various forms of service co-operation with different partners, and will seek more co-operation opportunities to further enhance our service," said Mr Chang, who is in charge of Evergreen's European shipping and aviation interests.