Thursday, 3 April 2014 00:46
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Major shipping alliance G6 berths 13,167-TEUs ultra-large container carrier at CICT
The Hapag-Lloyd-owned brand new 13,167 TEU ultra-large container carrier berthed at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) on Monday.
This vessel, which was launched from the HHI shipyard on 14 March, is on her maiden voyage on the Asia/Europe service.
The vessel on completion of operations in Colombo sailed direct to Southampton in a record time of 16 days.
In fact, although there was more cargo available for loading to Europe, there was a constraint on the loadings due to the water depth (vessel draught) restriction at Southampton, highlighting the deep-water capability of the Port of Colombo, which even some larger European ports are unable to match.
The Port of Colombo is proud to boast of the first deep-water facility in the whole of South Asia that is capable of handling such large vessels. The major shipping line alliance of G6 making the port of Colombo a port of call with these large ships on this very important Asia/Europe service confirms Sri Lanka’s claim to place the Port of Colombo as the regional maritime hub is now well established.
The vessel berthed on arrival and the Master of the Vessel was pleased with the navigation services provided and the brand new facilities at the Colombo International Container Terminal.
Aitken Spence Shipping is the local agent for Hapag-Lloyd AG and the officials of Hapag-Lloyd Lanka were present to commemorate her inaugural call at CICT.
The COO of the local agents commented that Hapag-Lloyd was expected to deliver more ultra-large container carriers which will call CICT in the near future.
