Did you know, that all the vessels can be easily divided into 3 categories? All depends on their size. Panamax is the term using all over the world for identification of vessels' dimensions based on Panama Canal. Thus, most of the vessels in the world are built not exceeding Canal's width and dock's length. Before Canal's expansion all vessels going through it had to meet Panamax characteristics: 289.56 m length, 32.31 m beam and 57.91 m height. 

Once 3rd set of locks got expanded in 2016, Panama Canal Authorities posted New Panamax (also called as NeoPanamax) specifications: 366 m length, 49 m beam and 57.91 m height. 

There are also super-Panamax or post-Panamax ships, they do not meet any of Panamax sizes.

Hapag-Lloyd Eyeing Sustainability
German container giant Hapag-Lloyd has revealed their goals in the sustainability sector.

The company plans to reduce CO2 emissions per TEU kilometer by 20%. The comparison is between the year 2020 and the year 2016. They are also making the switch to low-sulphur fuel, in line with International Maritime Organization’s sulphur cap 2020.

Jörg Erdmann, Senior Director Sustainability Management, stated: "In 2018, we were once again able to reduce the fuel consumption of our global fleet through efficiency measures. The new regulation is an important step on the way to lower-emission shipping. Even though the switch to low-sulphur fuels will entail significant costs, we are convinced that this directive is necessary.”

Hapag-Lloyd's fleet of 227 vessels transports approx. 12 million containers per year.

ONE Can Boast a New Modern Containership

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has added a completely new 14.000 TEUs boxship ONE Apus to its fleet. It belongs to Nippon Yusen Kaisha line and equipped with environmentally-friendly engine, modern and efficient safety system and increased cargo-loading capacity. Its rotation course will be the following:
 
Kaohsiung – Hong Kong – Yantian – Cai Mep – Singapore – New York – Norfolk – Savannah – Charleston – New York – Singapore – Kaohsiung.

Long Beach Port Moves over 1.8 million TEUs

The Long Beach in the USA moved over 1.8 million TEUs in the first quarter of 2019 and become the second busiest port for January through March period.

The figure was achieved despite prolonging trade unpredictability, and port authorities mentioned that the volumes decreased by 4.7 percent compared to last year.

Marine terminals and dockworkers moved 550 thousand TEUs in March, a 4% percent lower compared to the same month a year ago. Imports were down 7.8 percent while exports were 7.7 percent lower.

Port of Long Beach said that domestic economy slowing will likely lead to a moderate increase in container imports in 2019.

Panama Canal's Biggest Ever Boxship
Alphaliner has announced that the Panama Canal is about to welcome its biggest ever containership.

Evergreen of Taiwan is set to assign the maxi-Neopanamax Triton to a Panama Canal-routed service in April. The 14,424 TEU vessel will switch from Evergreen’s Far East – USWC route to the Far East – USEC route and is scheduled to pass the Panama Canal on May 15 as it travels from Kaohsiung to Colon.

The Canal's largest containerships up to this point have been 366 meters in length. The Triton features a length of 369 meters.