On September 22, New Yangzi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, delivered the first 8,000 TEU container ship, “KMTC DAMMAM”, built for Lepta Shipping.
Classed by NK, the container ship “KMTC DAMMAM” has an overall length of 272.0 meters, a beam of 42.8 meters, a structural draft of 15.0 meters and a design speed of 21.5 knots.
The cargo hold and deck can accommodate up to 20 layers of stacked containers, with a total capacity of 8,264 TEUs. It can simultaneously carry 800 refrigerated containers, featuring high container capacity and heavy load-bearing capability. This vessel can be flexibly deployed on major global shipping routes.
This vessel is of MARIC HERCULES 8000TEU class container ships, representing a new generation of green mid-sized container ships developed in response to market demand. The hull lines are customized and optimized according to the shipowner’s operating routes, and high-efficiency rudders, propellers and energy-saving devices in front of the propellers are installed.
In terms of environmental protection, the vessel is equipped with a hybrid desulfurization system, an EGR denitrification system for the main engine, and a low-pressure SCR denitrification system for the generator, meeting the latest pollutant gas emission standards. It is a medium-sized container ship that combines safety, reliability, environmental protection, and high energy efficiency.
It is understood that “KMTC DAMMAM” is the first ship in a series of 8000TEU container ships built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group for Lepta shipowner. It was constructed by New Yangzi Shipbuilding and construction began in mid-September 2024. It entered the drydock in mid-March 2025, was launched in late June, and successfully completed the sea trial mission in late August. All test results met the design requirements.
On September 22, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group and the shipowner jointly held a naming ceremony for the new vessel. That same morning, executives from both parties signed the delivery documents for the “KMTC DAMMAM”.