Another mega-ship – said to be the world’s most environmentally friendly ultra large container vessel – has made its maiden call at Britain’s biggest container port.

United Arab Shipping Company’s (UASC) newest vessel, the 400-metre long Barzan, carrying 18,800 standard-sized boxes, was welcomed at the Port of Felixstowe after its journey from Port Kelang in Malaysia.

The Barzan is part of the industry’s first LNG-ready fleet and is setting new standards for fuel and energy efficiency, due to its design and an array of efficiency technologies.

Clemence Cheng, chief executive officer of the Port of Felixstowe, said: “Our investment in new infrastructure, equipment, systems and people has ensured that we are the clear port-of-choice for the latest generation of mega vessels employed on the Asian trade.

“Our ability to handle these huge vessels will be further enhanced when the Berth 9 extension is completed at the end of the year. Beyond that we will continue to enhance facilities and improve still further levels of productivity.

“UASC’s commitment to reducing environmental impact with this new class of LNG-ready vessels mirrors our own commitment to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint of our business.”

The Barzan – deployed on UASC’s AEC1 service between Asia and North Europe and the first of a series of six such super ships set to sail the seas – holds just 424 fewer bozes than the world’s biggest container vessel, MSC Oscar, which visited Felixstowe earlier in the year.