HMM Algeciras, believed to be the world’s largest container ship, recently made its first transit of the Suez Canal.
On hand to witness this event was Admiral Osama Rabie chairman of the Suez Canal Authority.
The ship was on its maiden voyage since its launch in April.
And as per protocol in the Suez Canal Authority on receiving mega vessels transiting for the first time, Admiral Rabie delegated SCA Distinguished Senior Pilot, Captain Hisham Fawzy, and First Senior Pilot, Captain Medhat El-Naggar, to board the vessel and welcome its crew as well as present the Shipmaster, Captain Jon Kiun, with a commemorative gift.
Admiral Rabie said the New Suez Canal had further cemented the Suez Canal’s existing place as the lifeblood of world trade.
Admiral Rabie said it also increased its efficiency so it remains the best option for current and future generations of mega vessels.
His Excellency said the SCA keeps a “keen eye” on the rapidly developing maritime transport industry, and is even a few steps ahead by means of non-stop developmental projects in the waterway.
Admiral Rabie also said the SCA was well aware of the challenges maritime transport was witnessing at the meantime as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HMM Algeciras has a capacity of 23,964 TEU and is among the fleet of HMM, the South Korean shipping line, and is the first of twelve vessels of the same class, design and size contracted to be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries.
The ship stands at 400metres in length. Her width is 61m and her draught is 16metres. The upgraded design of the structure is meant to be more power-efficient, aimed at minimising carbon emissions, to which the expected result is cutting 15% off operation costs.
