June 19 - The China Navigation Company (CNCo) has held an official naming ceremony for four of its vessels at Zhejiang Ouhua Shipbuilding, in Zhoushan, China.

The three ships in question were Papuan Chief, the final of the four multipurpose vessels in CNCo's Chief22 Class series; Liangchow and Lintan, the 11th and 12th bulk carriers in CNCo's B.Delta39 series.

Barnaby Swire, chairman, CNCo, said: "CNCo is midway through a newbuilding programme to upgrade its fleet. In total, 12 multipurpose vessels and 28 handysize bulk carriers were ordered for delivery between 2013 to 2016. The significant investment in modern, fuel-efficient vessels demonstrates our long term commitment to being a leading provider of sustainable shipping solutions and our customers' partner of choice."

Papuan Chief, designed specifically for the Pacific Islands trade, will make its maiden calls at Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou in China before proceeding to Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and Australia. The handysize bulk carriers will be deployed in Swire Bulk's Pacific fleet.

In Sydney, a naming ceremony was held for CNCo's first Chief22 Class vessel, Coral Chief. The vessel has recently entered into service on Swire Shipping's Australia to PNG service.



www.swirecnco.com

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