Hatsu Marine Limited launches its fifth UK-flag post-Panamax container vessel in Japan

The Hatsu Ethic, the last in a series of five 6332TEU E-type container vessels for Hatsu Marine Ltd, London, was launched today, 10 September 2002, by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The ship is due for delivery in January and will fly the UK flag.

The vessel was named by Evergreen Group Chairman, Dr Y F Chang. As part of the UK drive to attract ships back to the British flag, Mrs Pauline Prescott, wife of the Right Honourable John Prescott MP, UK Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State, cut the ceremonial rope sending the ship down the slipway and into the water for the first time.

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

Mitsubishi Chairman Nobuyuki Masuda noted that the Hatsu Ethic was the last of 38 containerships his shipyard has built for the Evergreen Group since 1992:

“This is an unprecedented relationship between shipyard and ship owner.”

He added that he anticipated more business from Evergreen in the future.

Evergreen Group Chairman Chang, commenting on the fine craftsmanship of Mitsubishi's work, confirmed a major shipbuilding program was on the horizon in about two years and “after this brief separation we hope we can expect the same quality of work and some very good prices”. He also praised the working relationship between Mitsubishi and Evergreen.

Mr Prescott has a particular affinity with the shipping industry. In 1953 he began work as a steward in the British merchant navy for ten years. Moreover, it was maritime safety that motivated Mr Prescott to work as a full-time official for the National Union of Seamen between 1968 and 1970. Commenting on the launch of the last in Hatsu Marine's UK-flagged post-Panamax vessels, he said:

“I am proud to be involved in the launching of a merchant ship that will bear the Red Ensign. We now have four million more tonnes under the flag than we had four years ago. I am heartened by the fact that more ships are returning to the standard and that the flag is recognised internationally as a mark of quality.”

Hatsu Marine is taking advantage of the optional tonnage tax regime that offers a simpler way of calculating taxable profits. Part of the regime includes measures to improve seafarer training and recruitment. Mr Prescott commented:

“The benefits of this can be seen by the high quality ships and staff that Hatsu Marine operate. The UK criteria for vessel condition and crewing standards are high. I congratulate Hatsu Marine on the high standards of their vessels and welcome them to the UK flag.”

Comparing his seafaring roots with those of Group Chairman Chang, Mr Prescott added:

“I am sure Dr Chang agrees that it is an honour to contribute to the future of world shipping about which we are both passionate.”

He also congratulated Evergreen’s founder on his “vision, commitment, and courage”.

The five Hatsu E-type vessels will all be deployed in the transpacific trades linking North America and Asia. Later this year, Hatsu 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.

Hatsu Ethic has an overall length of 300 metres and a beam of 42.8 metres. It can carry up to 6,332 TEUs 17-abreast on deck and 15-wide below deck and have a deadweight tonnage of 76,000 on a service draft of 13.5 metres and a service speed of 25 knots.

The celebratory air in Kobe was shared by more than 200 people who travelled from all over the globe, including guests from Evergreen local offices in North America, Europe, and Asia and also by the shipyard workers and members of their families, who cheered and were applauded as the gigantic ship hit the waters of Kobe Harbour.