COSCO has named its latest 9,500-TEU containership the "Cosco Hellas" at a ceremony held at the Greek port of Piraeus, where she embarked on her maiden voyage.

Wei Jiafu, president and CEO of the Cosco Group, was cited by Xinhua News Agency as saying at the christening of the 551 metres long and 43 metres wide newbuild that the mega vessel was given a Greek name to mark the strengthening of ties between mainland and Greek shipping communities.

This sentiment was echoed by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, who also attended the event and said that the naming of the vessel would help further cement Sino-Greek relations.

The new Greek-flagged vessel is owned by Greek shipping firm Costamare Shipping Company and is being leased by Cosco for a period of 12 years.