Seoul: STX Shipbuilding of South Korea reports it has completed the design of  a 22,000teu containership that at 450 metres in length would be the longest ship to ply the oceans. Two alternative versions have been designed, one with a single propellor and the other with twin propellors.

Compared to Emmma Maersk, the world's largest existing containership, the new design represents a 50% increase in capacity and some 50 metres extra in length.

"The 22,000 TEU marks a breakthrough in the sense that the 20,000 TEU was once considered as the limit of a container ship can get in terms of its transport capacity both in terms of technology and economy," said STX in a statement.

The current price of fuel is a major driver to bigger ships, added STX, and these new vessels could cut the shipping price per container by 40%.  [29/05/08]