TAIWAN's Evergreen Marine has received its second in a series of five high reefer capacity 8,827-TEU ships from Korea's Sungdong Shipyard via Greek owner Costamare on a 10-year charter.

Xinhua reports that Evergreen's loop partner Cosco has now put into Montevideo with its 8,000-TEU Qingdao vessel on a maiden voyage, and now ranks as the biggest ship to call at the port.

The handy neo-panamax widebeam Valor will join Evergreen-Cosco-Zim east coast South American service in an upgrade from its 3,400 - 4,200-TEU units following on from Value's delivery in May and the three remaining sister ships, the Valiant, Valence and Vantage expected on the loop this summer.

The ships can do 22 knots, but can also slow steam with an electronically-controlled slow speed engine.

In Montevideo, Chinese Ambassador to Uruguay Yan Banghua said that carriers have made great contribution to the trade between Asia and South America. Montevideo is an important shipping hub in South America. The call of the Qingdao marks an upgrade of the port's cargo capacity and more opportunities for further cooperation between China andUruguay.

There are nine other ships of 8,000-TEU or more that have been deployed on the loops to replace those in the 4,000-TEU range.

Cosco country manager Du Yanbiao said Sino-Uruguayan trade is growing, and has stimulated demand for logistics and shipping services.