Mitsubishi To Convert Sea-Land Containerships

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Group of Japan has received a contract from Sea-Land to undertake major conversions of four of its T3- class containerships at a total cost of about $50 million.

Beginning next January, the ships will be withdrawn in succession from Sea-Land's recently up-rated Rotterdam-Middle East service, but will be returned to that trade once their conversions are completed.

Basically, of the old ships only the mid-bodies will be saved, refurbished and equipped with modern, economical Sulzer diesel engines.

Mitsubishi will join these mid-bodies to newly constructed bow and stern sections.

On completion, the ships should have a length of 662 feet, a speed of 18.5 knots, and a capacity of 593 of Sea-Land's 35- and 40-foot containers. In a return to original containership practice, they will also be equipped with two container cranes.

"This self-sustaining capability is of particular benefit when calling at the congested ports of the Mideast," a Sea-Land statement said.

The ships will be reconstructed to meet U.S. standards and requirements, will fly the U.S. flag and be manned by American crews.

Other stories from June 15, 1977 issue

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