On 5 February 2002, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched Hatsu Excel, the third in a series of five 6332TEU E-type container vessels that it is building for Hatsu Marine Ltd, London. Due for delivery in June 2002, she will fly the UK flag.

Mrs Tina Yeh, the wife of Mr Slin Yeh, the President of Hatsu Marine Ltd, cut the ceremonial rope sending the ship down the slipway and into the water for the first time.

Hatsu was established on 4 January, 2002. By the end of this year, it is planned that Hatsu will be offering shippers a global container service embracing Asia, North America and Europe.

Mr Yeh explains:

"Our five E-type vessels will all be deployed in the transpacific trade linking North America and Asia. Later this year, we will commence services linking Asia and North Europe and North Europe and North America. However, no specific dates have yet been attached to these plans. We intend building up our organisation in a careful and considered manner."

Hatsu Excel and her sisterships have an overall length of 300 metres and a beam of 42.8 metres. They are able to carry containers 17-abreast on deck, 15-wide below deck and have a deadweight of 76,000 tonnes on a service draft of 13.5 meters. Each vessel has a single 12-cylinder Mitsubishi Sulzer RTA84C main engine developing 66,120bhp (48,600KW) to provide for a service speed of 25 knots.

2002-02-05

HATSU MARINE LIMITED