On July 28, two containerships were christened Rio Adour and Rio Ardeche at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ HDW-Gaarden in Kiel. Both ships were ordered by MPC Münchmeyer Petersen Steamship GmbH & Co. KG. On the day prior to the christening, Rio Adour was handed over to MPC. The delivery of Rio Ardeche is scheduled for November 2006. Both ships have been chartered by the French shipping company CMA CGM. The ships are modern container ships with a capacity of 2,490 containers, of which 958 are stowed below deck and 1,532 on deck. They have a maximum load of 34,410 tons. Both measure at 212 x 29.80 m and have a maximum draught of 11.40 m. Their cruising speed is 22 knots with an engine power of 21,560 kW.