Another huge new ship has made its maiden call at Britain’s top container port.

Another huge new ship has made its maiden call at Britain’s top container port.

Following in the wake of the Majestic Maersk, the biggest container vessel in the world, the Port of Felixstowe welcomed the 366-metre long Cosco England, carrying 13,400 boxes.

Speaking at a ceremony on board the vessel at Trinity Terminal, Clemence Cheng, chief executive officer of the Port of Felixstowe, said: “Our relationship with Cosco dates back to 1989 when their first vessel called at the Port of Felixstowe, and we are honoured that they continue to make Felixstowe their UK port of call.

“We are the major gateway for trade with China and the Cosco England is a magnificent testimony to the importance of the Europe-Asia trade.

“It is appropriate that this magnificent ship has been christened the Cosco England, reflecting the increasingly strong economic ties that link China and the largest part of the United Kingdom.

“We are proud of the role we play in facilitating this trade and committed to providing the facilities and level of service that these modern mega-vessels require.”

Simon Yang, Chief Executive of COSCO UK, said: “The UK is absolutely one of the most important markets for Cosco Group, we have set up our bulk shipping, and logistics business in this country, plus a fleet of seven container ships flying the red ensign.

“With the ever growing investment, trade, cultural exchanges between China and the United Kingdom, Cosco is trying to do more to cover the whole UK and Ireland market, to improve efficiency, definitely with help of our partners like Hutchison and our customers.”

The guest of honour at the event was His Excellency Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom.

He said: “Almost one and a half centuries ago, the Cutty Sark was travelling between China and Britain. Her predominant business was to carry tea from China.

“Today Cosco England has a new mission in China-Britain trade. Apart from tea, Cosco England will bring a multitude of items such as household consumer goods, mechanical and electronic appliances.

“In turn, Cosco England will carry to China not only wine, beer and whisky, but also vast quantities of aviation equipment, cars, machinery and medical instruments.

“Cosco England will become a symbol of China-Britain cooperation in the twenty first century, which is more extensive and substantial. More importantly, this cooperation is now based on equal-footing and mutually beneficial.”

As well as Felixstowe, the vessel also calls at Ningbo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nansha, Algeciras, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Singapore.