Classification society DNV GL has announced it will class the world's largest containership the MSC Oscar. The 19,244teu vessel, now in East-West revenue service, was delivered by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in January. The reported building price was USD140.5 million.

DNV GL says the vessel's container capacity was increased by implementing the RSCS class notation (Route Specific Container Stowage). RSCS was developed by DNV GL to provide "more efficient usage of cargo capacity with more flexibility for laden containers on board for specific routes while not compromising on safety."

MSC's newest ship has efficiency features as well as capacity. The main engine controls are designed so fuel consumption can be controlled automatically accounting for both speed and weather conditions. Additionally, the vessel has a broad range of optimal speeds to allow for flexible operations.

In 20 years the length of the biggest vessels has increased from about 300 to 400m and container capacity has trebled.

The container intake of the MSC Oscar (originally planned at 18,000teu) was increased to 19,244teu during building by adding an extra tier above decks. There is capcity for 1,800 reefer containers and dangerous goods can be carried in the holds.

DNV GL said, "The state of the art containership is unique in its wide beam design and use of torsion box and hatch coaming plates with steel plate thickness up to 100mm."

MSC has orders for 18 more vessels of over 19,000teu. The next of these, MSC Oliver, also with DNV GL class, is expected for delivery in April.