Double-hull Capesize christening ceremony.
Today, at the Daewoo shipyard in Okpo (South Korea), Louis Dreyfus Armateurs has christened its first double-hull Capesize.
The Capesize vessels, among the largest in the world, carry dry bulk cargoes (coal and ores) and constitute an essential link in the logistical chain dedicated for the iron and steel mills as well as for the production of energy.
However, these vessels also carry a large quantity of fuel necessary for their propulsion and any accident may have a serious impact on the environment.
Anticipating the international regulations, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs has opted for double-hull newbuilding bulk carriers in order to offer better protection to the environment, and to improve the safety of its crews. LDA is the first French shipowner operating such double hull vessels.
This first ship, in a series of three - with the last unit scheduled to be delivered in november 2005 - has been christened "Jean LD" and will fly the French flag.
