Japanese shipbuilder Imabari launched its first of the 20,000 TEU-type containerships built for compatriot shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) at the Saijo shipyard on June 9.

The 20,150 TEU newbuilding, which features a length of 400 meters and a width of 58.5 meters, is one of two ultra large container vessels (ULCVs) ordered by MOL in early 2015.

The two vessels were ordered as part of a deal for the construction of six 20,000 containerships, with two of them assigned to Imabari and the remaining four to South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI). All of the vessels are slated for delivery in 2017 and will be deployed in the Asia-Europe service.

Earlier, MOL said that the two mega boxships ordered from Imabari had been chartered out to Japanese liner company Shoei Kisen Kaisha.

Both ships will fly the flag of Panama, according to data provided by VesselsValue.

The previous record for Imabari was the construction of 14,000 TEU ships.

According to Imabari, the recently launched ULCV has an array of energy-saving equipment including a special rudder to enhance propulsion performance.

In mid-March, SHI named MOL Triumph, the first of four 20,150 TEU newbuildings, which held the title of being the world's largest boxship.