ONE takes home new future fuel-ready containership from
Imabari Shipbuilding Delivers Innovative Containership
Imabari Shipbuilding, a leading player in Japan’s maritime construction sector, has successfully delivered the ONE Sapphire, a state-of-the-art containership designed for sustainability. The vessel was handed over to Singapore’s Ocean Network Express (ONE) on June 12 at a ceremony held at Imabari’s Marugame yard in Kagawa, Japan. With a capacity of 13,000 TEU, the ONE Sapphire is engineered for future fuel conversions and enhanced environmental performance.
Features and Environmental Innovations
The ONE Sapphire measures 335.94 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and 30.1 meters in depth. Imabari Shipbuilding has designed this vessel with a focus on future-proofing, allowing it to be converted to run on alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia. Additionally, the ship is equipped to accommodate carbon capture technology, reflecting a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In terms of energy efficiency, the ONE Sapphire incorporates several advanced features. These include energy-saving devices, twisted rudders, and a hybrid exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS). The vessel also utilizes an exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) to further enhance its environmental performance. Imabari Shipbuilding estimates that the ONE Sapphire will achieve a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, projected at around 60%.
Other environmental measures include a ballast water treatment system and compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. These features position the ONE Sapphire as a leader in sustainable shipping practices.
Future Prospects for Ocean Network Express
Ocean Network Express currently operates a fleet of over 260 vessels and recently introduced its first ammonia/methanol-ready unit, the ONE Sparkle, which was constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. The ONE Sapphire is part of a larger order of 20 vessels placed by ONE in March 2023, with construction split between shipyards in Japan and South Korea. The delivery schedule for these vessels extends into the next year, with plans for an additional twelve vessels currently under construction in China, set to join the fleet in 2027.
This year has been particularly productive for Imabari Shipbuilding, which has delivered multiple vessels across various segments. Notable deliveries include six bulk carriers in January and an LNG-powered car carrier for Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha in April. The company also delivered two boxships for Denmark’s A.P. Møller – Mærsk, showcasing its diverse capabilities in shipbuilding.
As Japan’s shipbuilding industry anticipates delivering 16.3 million deadweight tons (dwt) of new tonnage this year, it is poised to potentially surpass South Korea, solidifying its position as a major player in the global maritime sector.
