Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen Marine had decided to charter six 18,000-TEU ships to optimise its competitiveness as the new member of the CKYHE alliance, reported the American Journal of Transportation.

Evergreen is planning to take advantage of economies of scale and other advantages spawned by the latest shipbuilding technology and design.

The company believes that under the terms of the CKYHE alliance, of which it is lately become a member, it will enable the company to utilise the capacity of these vessels efficiently, to reduce unit operating costs and produce maximum benefit from its fleet.

"These vessels will not only enhance the line's operating performance but also help meet its own stringent requirements for environmental protection by reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," said a company statement.

"Once more these newly chartered ships will be part of Evergreen's long-term fleet renewal programme and, as such will be replacing existing vessels on charter, which will be redelivered when the agreed terms of their charters expire," the statement said.