ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd (ZIM) has named the first of the 10 LNG-powered, 15,000 TEU ships ordered by Seaspan Corportaion as part of a long-term chartering agreement with the ocean liner.

The vessel — "ZIM SAMMY OFER" — was named at the Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in Korea after the late shipping magnate Sammy Ofer, who passed away in 2011.

The ZIM SAMMY OFER is an LNG dual-fuel vessel offering the cleanest and greenest alternative to ship propulsion currently available on the market for large-scale vessels, with a 23% emission reduction representing an important step forward in the industry’s journey to decarbonize.

Equipped with the latest technology to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability, the Neo-Panamax vessel is 366-meters long with a 51-meter beam.

Its prominent features include a twin-islands design and a unique vertical bow, tailor-made hull form design optimized for operation profile.

ZIM noted that the vessel also has a state-of-the-art propulsion system, with a max service speed of 22.5 knots, a dual-fuel main engine with output of 46,000kW @ 80 rpm, and an Energy Efficiency Design Index to meet the tightened emission standards in the future.

First LNG vessel to call the US East Coast

"The ZIM SAMMY OFER will be the first LNG vessel in the world to call the US East Coast," ZIM said in its announcement.

Eli Glickman, ZIM president and chief executive, noted that naming the first LNG-powered vessel in ZIM's fleet in honor of the late Sammy Ofer is a "fitting tribute" to his vision.

"With the entrance of the ZIM Sammy Ofer, we embark on a new era, with a far more efficient and sustainable fleet, improving our cost structure and competitive edge and enhancing our commitment to ESG values," he said.

Bing Chen, Atlas and Seaspan president & CEO, also noted the "historic event" for Seaspan and ZIM.

"We are extremely honored to deliver the vessel in recognition of a legendary industry icon, the late Mr. Sammy Ofer, as we continue our decarbonization journey," Chen said, adding that the significant fleet of highly efficient LNG vessels tailored for ZIM will expedite both companies' progress toward our next phases of sustainable shipping.

"Our subsequent deliveries of 15,000 TEU and 7,800 TEU LNG dual fuel newbuilds in 2023 are the further testimony of our commitment to our ESG values and a more sustainable marine industry. We are particularly privileged to partner with ZIM in making this forward-thinking milestone to bring these ultra-modern vessels to the market," the Atlas and Seaspan chief added.

The ZIM SAMMY OFER will join ZIM's flagship service, ZIM Container Service Pacific (ZCP), from Asia to the USA East Coast.

Its maiden voyage is scheduled on April 30 from Haifa Bayport in Israel.