World’s largest reefer container ship to be named in Auckland

The largest container ship ever to call in New Zealand, the P&O Nedlloyd Remuera, will be named at a ceremony on Auckland's Princess Wharf on Sunday 10 February.

The P&O Nedlloyd Remuera has the capacity to carry 4100 20ft containers (TEUs), compared to the maximum 2700 capacity of the "Eastabout" ships that have up to now maintained the trade between New Zealand and Northern Europe.

With 1300 power plugs for 20ft and 40ft high cube integral refrigerated containers (called "reefers"), the ship also is the largest refrigerated container ship in the world. She is one of 10 being built primarily to service New Zealand and Australian exports to Europe and the East Coast of the United States.

The containers are part of the world's largest ever order of integral reefer containers ?6,000 20ft and 8,500 40ft with "high-cube" capacity (greater capacity than 'normal height' containers).

The new series of ships has been named the Albatross Class and P&O Nedlloyd will introduce seven of these ships to the Trade over the next year. Partner operator CP Ships will add another three vessels of the same size, ensuring importers and exporters receive reliable, fixed-day weekly sailings on the Australian / New Zealand, Europe / USA trade route.

The ship will be named by Carole Gosche, wife of the Hon. Mark Gosche, New Zealand Minister of Transport. Hosting the official party will be Paul Windfield, P&O Nedlloyd Regional Director for Australia-New Zealand, Tom Boardley P&O Nedlloyd Director for European Trades, Doug Bannister P&O Nedlloyd General Manager for the Australia-New Zealand Trade and Gary Quirke General Manager for P&O Nedlloyd New Zealand.

Following the naming ceremony the ship will sail for Napier and Port Chalmers in Otago, loading cargo for a round voyage to Asia, calling at Singapore, Yantian and Qingdao.

She will also discharge in New Zealand the 750 new containers she is delivering from China on her maiden voyage.

P&O Nedlloyd Remuera will then return to New Zealand mid-March and phase into the current P&O Nedlloyd "Eastabout" service between Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The new Europe / USA / ANZ round the world service will commence later this year.