On 4 February 2006, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Kobe shipyard launched Hatsu Smile, the fourth in a series of ten 7024 TEU S-type container vessels that the shipbuilder is constructing for the Evergreen Group. Like the first three ships in the series, Hatsu Smile will be operated by London-headquartered Hatsu Marine Ltd.

Hatsu Smile was named by Mr Chang Kuo-Cheng (K C Chang), Vice Group Chairman of Evergreen Group and Chairman of Evergreen Marine Corp. The honour of cutting the ceremonial rope sending the traditional bottle of champagne against its bow to launch and send the vessel on its way down the slipway was given to Mrs Kuo Yeh Chiung-Yu, wife of Captain S Y Kuo who is also Vice Group Chairman for the Evergreen Group.

The Evergreen Group is taking delivery of 18 large post-Panamax containerships over the period 2005 to 2008 - ten
S-types and eight 8063 TEU C-types - allowing the Group companies to upgrade existing services and phase out older vessels.

Hatsu Smile is due to be delivered to Hatsu Marine towards the end of May and will commence her maiden voyage to Europe shortly thereafter. As well as the four S-type vessels, the Hatsu fleet also comprises five 6332 TEU E-class vessels plus two 1618 TEU P-class vessels currently deployed in regional Asian services within the Evergreen Group. All ships fly the UK flag.

Hatsu Marine was established in London on 4 January 2002. Through slot-sharing and joint service agreements with other carriers including Evergreen and Lloyd Triestino, it now offers its customers a network of services embracing Asia, North America and Europe. With the expansion of its fleet over the next few years, it will be adding to the number of services offered and expanding its capacity on existing services.

 Introducing Evergreen's Special S-type Series of Green Ships