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Dubai-headquartered container shipping line United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) and Russian oil giant Lukoil have signed a lubricant supply agreement covering vessels from UASC's existing newbuilding programme.

UASC is currently implementing one of the industry's largest and most technologically advanced newbuilding programmes with seventeen new vessels on order: six 18,800-TEU and 11 15,000-TEU containerships.

Lukoil has already supplied eight of the 17 container ships with advanced lubrication solutions. The Russian firm will be equipping UASC's vessels with iCOlube - an 'intelligent cylinder oil lubrication' unit that is designed to optimize both the performance and overall efficiency of vessel engines. iCOlube is said to offer environmental benefits such as reductions of carbon dioxide (CO2) of up to 13 percent.

In a statement, June Manoharan, Managing Director of Lukoil Marine Lubricants, remarked: "UASC is a strategic customer for us in Middle East and we are very proud to be the lubes suppliers for their modern fleet. The first two iCOlube units will be installed in October and November on the vessels Al Zubara and Al Dhail and we are confident they will deliver significant savings and optimal engine condition."

"The cutting-edge new vessels have been designed with a focus on cost efficiency and enhanced environmental friendliness. The outstanding environmental and efficiency credentials of UASC's new buildings are firmly demonstrated through their performance. Lukoil Marine's iCOlube will further support UASC's environmental aspirations," UASC said.

Commenting on UASC's Supply Agreement with Lukoil, Carl Jansma, UASC Vice President, Global Procurement Services (GPS), said: "UASC remains focused on building a premium strategic supply base by stringently selecting high performing suppliers and services providers who can adapt to our processes, support our goals and have the right approach to be shapers of the maritime industry. LUKOIL continues to be a provider with global experience, technical product expertise and strong customer service & supply capability which will ensure our vessel requirements are well catered for under this agreement."