Shipspotters gathered along the approach to the Port of Felixstowe to welcome the arrival of the world’s biggest container ship, which can carry more than 21,000 20ft containers.
The OOCL Hong Kong – which is on its maiden voyage – was brought alongside the boxport’s newest quays, Berths 8&9, at sunset last night after travelling more than six weeks from China.
The £125m vessel is the latest mega ship to visit Felixstowe, Britain’s busiest container port, and its arrival comes just a few weeks after the Madrid Maersk sailed in, at that time the largest ship to visit northern Europe.
Arrival of the latest record-breaker represented a double celebration as it also marked the return of OOCL to the port, owned by Hutchison Ports, after a 17 year absence.
Port boss Clemence Cheng, who is also managing director of Hutchison Ports Europe, said: “The OOCL Hong Kong is the latest in a line of mega vessels to call at the Port of Felixstowe.
“The port’s location close to the main shipping lanes and the ports of Northern Europe, combined with a unique combination of road and rail connections, makes it the first choice for the latest generation of giant container ships.
“Our relationship with OOCL goes back 40 years and we are delighted to welcome them back.
“We are honoured to have been chosen as the main UK hub for the Ocean Alliance and look forward to continuing to work with OOCL and the other alliance partners to provide the best possible service to UK importers and exporters.”
Richard Hew, managing director of OOCL, said they were “very delighted” by the warm welcome the vessel received.
The 210,890 gross tonne vessel was built at Samsung Heavy Industries’ (SHI) shipyard in Geoje, South Korea. It serves the Asia-Europe trade lane as part of OOCL’s LL1 service.
The Ocean Alliance consists of OOCL, CMA CGM, Cosco Shipping and Evergreen Line.
Video supplied by Bruizer Creative Video Agency and Sky Cam East.
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