Signalling a major new stage of investment in temperature-controlled cargo capacity, the first of six reefer containerships ordered by specialist operator Seatrade was handed over by her Chinese builder last week.

The 172m Seatrade Chile incorporates 639 electrical sockets for refrigerated boxes, corresponding to a 1,278TEU reefer capability within an overall container intake of 1,800TEU. The vessel is powered by an MAN two-stroke, oil-fired main engine, and has been prepared for future use of alternative fuels.

Dubbed the Country Class, the series has been customised from the Sealion 1800 Bangkokmax dry boxship type developed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI), and which has attracted multiple contracts at Chinese yards from various owners.