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Classification society DNV GL has today said in a statement that it welcomes the world's largest containership - the MSC Oscar [pictured] - into class.

Delivered by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in Geoje, South Korea, in January, the 19,224-TEU vessel is already plying its trade on the new east-west service.

Not only does MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company's newest vessel set a size benchmark for containerships in terms of capacity, but it has also been designed with a number of efficiency-enhancing features. For example, the engine has been optimized so that fuel consumption can be automatically controlled to take into account both speed and weather conditions and it has a broad optimal speed range for enhanced operational flexibility.

"For over forty years the MSC family has been growing - and so too has our fleet," Diego Aponte, MSC President and CEO told DNV GL.

"Our partnership with DNV GL continues to be an important part of our journey. Today we are proud to own the largest container vessel on the seas, the MSC Oscar, which adds to our solid reputation as a leading ocean carrier. She will soon be joined by sister ship MSC Oliver, built to the same demanding class regulations, which marks yet another milestone in our ongoing relationship with DNV GL," Aponte added.

In less than twenty years the loading capacity of container vessels has more than tripled – with the length of the biggest vessels jumping from just over 300 to 400 metres during that time. MSC Oscar measures in at 395.4 metres long and 59 metres wide with a draft of 16 metres.

Initially specified at 18,000 TEU, MSC Oscar was expanded during the building phase to add an extra tier above decks. The vessel is able to carry dangerous goods in holds, and approximately 1,800 reefer containers.

Its cargo capacity has also been enhanced by implementing the RSCS (Route Specific Container Stowage) class notation. The RSCS notation was developed by DNV GL to provide a more efficient usage of cargo capacity with more flexibility for laden containers on board for specific routes while not compromising on safety.

"We are very pleased to mark this historic event with MSC, given our longstanding business relationship," said Jan-Olaf Probst, Global Ship Type Director at DNV GL – Maritime. "DNV GL is proud to have been a part of MSC's growth into a world leader in container shipping and we hope to be able to continue our successful cooperation for many years to come. MSC's decision to construct MSC Oscar and its upcoming newbuildings according to the DNV GL regulations reflects a clear focus for quality, maximum efficiency and an awareness of the need for a more sustainable industry."

The vessel's construction took only eleven months to be completed from steel cutting to delivery, which included extensive commissioning and sea trials. MSC Oscar is the first of the series of six ultra large containerships (ULCS) of Olympic Series. The remaining sister vessels of the series are expected to be completed by November 2015.

The cooperation between MSC and DNV GL stretches back to some of MSC's first vessels, and in 2005 the company's first entry into the large boxship market - the 9,00-TEU MSC Pamela - was built to DNV GL class rules.

Today, MSC has 18 more vessels of over 19,000 TEU on order. The next of these vessels, MSC Oliver - also with DNV GL class - is expected for delivery in April.