September 29 - UAL Africa has become the latest vessel to be added to Universal Africa Lines' fleet of 16 modern, multi-purpose geared vessels.
UAL Africa (pictured below) was built in The Netherlands and is special says the line because of the application of the Groot Cross-Bow® an innovative bow shape with wave piercing abilities. Because of the innovative bow shape the vessel will have less slamming and will easier maintain its speed compared to more conventional bow shapes with bow flare. Because of this, energy will be saved and therefore less fuel oil will be burned, which results in reduction of the CO2 output.
On its maiden trip UAL Africa will sail from Aberdeen via Antwerp to various destinations in West Africa including Takoradi, Lobito and Soyo.
Universal Africa Lines has been offering a regular liner service into West Africa from Europe, USA and South Africa for over 30 years. The activities are being expanded with an East Africa service; a new trade lane designed to extend the connecting services from the US, West Africa and SA into the East African markets, and will focus on the line's niche market in the oil and gas industry. UAL says that it will sail from West Africa to South and East Africa with the first voyage being undertaken by UAL Cyprus in early October.
The UAL Africa is the first new vessel added to the fleet and her sister UAL Bodewes will follow in February 2012.
