CP Ships has taken the next step in its major fleet re-building program by signing a contract with China Shipbuilding Corporation of Taiwan for the construction of five geared 3,200 TEU containerships. They are designed to be employed in CP Ships' South American services. Delivery of the newbuildings will take place between mid-2002 and early 2003. The ships will measure 243 m long by 32.2 m wide, and will be equipped with 400 reefer plugs and operate at a service speed of 22.5 knots. Several containerships built by China Shipbuilding Corp already serve in the CP Ships fleet. With the China Shipbuilding contract, CP Ships has passed the half-way point in a series of retonnaging commitments…
