Since 2003 the international exchange of goods has been permantently on the rise due to an increasing division of labour. Mostly container ships and tankers benefit from this development. This is clearly demonstrated by the booming container sector in European ports. Hamburg, Rotterdam and Antwerp have recorded a strongly growing number of container ships.

Meyer Werft also benefits from the booming container ship market. The issuing house Hansa Hamburg Shipping International placed a contract with the shipyard for the construction of four container ships of an innovative and special type, having a carrying capacity of 1600 TEU.

This type of ship is new in many ways. The folding hatch covers permit quick loading and unloading. The midship hatches remain open while the forward and side hatches are closed during transit. The cargo hold has a triple longitudinal division, and the superstructure holds six passenger cabins. While on previous ships the fuel bunker was provided in the double bottom or double shell, it is now foreseen inside the ship. In case of a collision oil which may leak out will not spill into the water and will hence not pollute the environment.