Wilhelmsen Lines, headquartered in Norway, recently placed orders for four 50,000 dwt lift-on/lift-off ships at Daewoo Heavy Industries. YML signed contracts for two 5,500-TEU Container Vessels and One Panamax Bulker.

The fourth generation Lo/Lo ships, called Mark IV, are much larger than the current 3rd generation Lo/Lo ships and are expected to be delivered by 2001. They have own facilities enabling to move containers, lumber products, vehicles and heavy equipment. Wilhelmsen Lines also ordered three 50,000dwt Lo/Lo ships at the same shipbuilding company in September. They will be delivered by the year 2000.

Yang Ming Line recently signed the contract with Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Japan for one Panamax bulk carrier (December 6, 1999). Considering the lowest price for building bulk carriers in the past ten years and the abundance of regular customers YML also ordered another two 5,500 TEU container vessels. The contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. was signed on November 15, 1999. Delivery is planned for March and June 2001 respectively.