Safmarine says it is taking delivery of seven ships next year, comprising five 2,474-TEU vessels as part of a 10-ship series from the Volkswerft yards by parent company AP Moller Maersk, as well as two 6,160-TEU ships from Hanjin Heavy Industries.

The two larger vessels are believed to have also been ordered by Maersk in late 2004 as part of a 10-ship series, five of which having been delivered this year, reports AXS-Alphaliner.

In addition to these owned vessels, Safmarine will also take delivery next year of long-term charter vessels, namely four Chinese-built, multi-purpose 12,000 dwt ships, purpose-built for Safmarine's West Africa MPV services. They are believed to have been chartered from Swiss concern Enzian Shipping, which ordered them in June 2005 from the Xingang Shipyard.

Two Japanese-built 1,600-TEU feeder vessels chartered from Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd and Misuga Kaiun Co Ltd have also been ordered by the shipping company.

In a separate development, Safmarine has announced that it will refuse Australian cargo from the beginning of next year. Safmarine has been active in Australia since 2001, using slots on the services of sister company Maersk Line, the report added.