First port in the UK to handle 18,000 TEU vessel
The Port of Felixstowe has handled four of the world’s largest container ships in 24 hours and become the first port in the UK to handle an 18,000 TEU vessel.
The period of intense activity at the UK’s busiest container port began with the arrival of the 13,000 TEUMSC Capella, and included maiden calls by the 18,000 TEUMajestic Maersk, currently the largest class of vessel in the world, and the 13,400 TEUCosco England. The 14,000 TEUMSC Gaiawas the fourth of the quartet.
Image Credit: Port of Felixstowe
Commenting on the series of Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCSs) calling at the port, Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, owners of the Port of Felixstowe, said:
“The global shipping industry is witnessing rapid growth not just in the size of container ships, but also in the number of the largest ULCSs calling in Europe. Seeing four of these giant ships at Felixstowe in 24 hours demonstrates our unique ability to handle multiple calls by the very largest ships simultaneously.
“We are committed to an on-going programme of investment to ensure that we stay ahead of the game when it comes to providing the facilities and resources necessary to turn even the biggest container ships around in the quickest possible time. It is also testimony to the skill and experience of our workforce that all the vessels were completed on or ahead of planned schedule.”
The Port of Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK. It benefits from being the closest UK container port to the main ports of Northern Europe and having direct marine access from the North Sea.
