Port of Wilmington recently informed that ultra-large container ships will find it easier to reach the port, as an air draft over the Cape Fear River has been increased to 212 feet. Specifically, vessels with a carrying capacity of 14.000 TEUs will navigate safely and more efficiently to Wilmington.
Responsible for the four-month project was Duke Energy, which upgraded the transmission towers in the Cape Fear River and replaced the already existed lines.
Following the project’s establishment, the transmission lines were raised to 41 feet.
This project was critical for North Carolina Ports’ long-term success and further accentuates our big ship readiness capabilities. Not only does it open the Port of Wilmington to some of the largest ships calling on United States East Coast, but it allows NC Ports to better support the needs of its customers.
…said Brian E. Clark, Chief Operating Officer, North Carolina Ports.
The initiative came under the $200 million capital improvements plan of North Carolina Ports.
Namely, infrastructure advancements involve a wider turning basin, berth enhancements and an overhaul of Wilmington’s container terminal.
Port of Wilmington’s terminal renovations estimate to double its throughput capacity to 1.2 million TEUs, while triple its refrigerated container capacity to 1.000 plugs per year.
Overall, several days ago, Port of Hamburg announced that mega-ships with a combined width of up to 98m may pass each other, as the five-kilometre stretch under Federal jurisdiction has from now on a width of 385 meters, under the widening project of the Elbe.
