The first of a series of nine 13,500-teu containerships ordered at the peak of the market has been delivered to United Arab Shipping Co built by South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries.

The $1.5bn contract for nine ships was signed in June 2008. Per-ship price tag stood at around $166m.

The Dubai line's first A13 class boxship, Umm Salal, was handed over during a naming ceremony at Samsung Heavy Industries's shipyard in Geoje this week. The remaining eight sisterships will enter service during the first four months of 2012.

With an overall length of 366 m, and powered by a Doosan MAN B&W 12K98ME7 main engine, Umm Salal can operate at a service speed of around 25 knots.

The new ship has capacity for 800 40 ft reefer containers on deck and has three holds designed for hazardous cargoes.