Aug.20--THE container arm of Singapore-based NOL Group, APL, is to deploy its first 9,200-TEU vessels of a nine unit delivery on transpacific trade from May 2013 and a further four in 2014 from Daewoo (DSME) to support cost-efficiency strategy.

These vessels increase the average capacity on transpacific of 6,900-TEU and build on the carrier's bulging newbuilding orderbook of 43,000 TEU in 2012 and a further 169,000 TEU next year.

In the first half 2012, NOL Group saw a seven per cent reduction in fuel use despite cargo volume being up by four per cent and expects increased cost savings through fuel efficient vessels coming upstream.

(Source:shippingazette)