December 27 - Universal Africa Lines' (UAL) latest fleet addition, UAL Houston, recently left the Scottish port of Aberdeen on her first commercial voyage.
Constructed at the Bodewes Shipyard in the Netherlands and launched in November, UAL Houston has the distinctive Groot Cross-Bow® which the line says promises improved performance, a smoother passage and greater comfort in heavy seas.
Crucially for shipowners, the designers Groot Ship Design say that smaller engines can beinstalled in the vessel resulting in greater fuel economy and less emissions.
UAL Houston is the third in a series built for UAL. After Aberdeen, her maiden voyage will take her to Antwerp, Takoradi, Port Harcourt, Malabo and Luba.
UAL offers regular liner services to Africa from Aberdeen, capable of carrying heavy and out-of-gauge cargoes.