DENMARK's AP Moller-Maersk has decided to strengthen its presence in Hong Kong by significantly increasing its fleet under the Hong Kong flag.

With its recent decision to register an additional 22 newbuildings, a total of 39 vessels in the AP Moller-Maersk Group will be under Hong Kong flag. Maersk Shipping Hong Kong (MSHKL), one of the group's ship-owning entities and Safmarine, a member of the group, will own the newbuildings, a Maersk statement said.

This comes after in the first half, the ownership of seven large container vessels, including four 6,700 TEU and two 8,600 TEU ships, have been transferred to MSHKL.

AP Moller-Maersk has also decided to assign to Hong Kong a further 14 new large container vessels (SAMMAX 7,500 TEU & WAFMAX 4,500 TEU class) to MSHKL as well as eight Safmarine vessels (five multi-purpose vessels and three WAFMAX 4,500 TEU container ships).

"We carry out the expansion in recognition of Hong Kong's position as a leading international maritime centre, its economic attractiveness to shipowners and its wide recognition as a quality flag-state with efficient service," said Dipak Dash, managing director of Maersk Shipping Hong Kong Company.
(Source:www.schednet.com)