MELBOURNE has welcomes the CMA CGM Ural, the largest container ship by “maximum capacity” to call at the port.
The 299 metre ship is one of six currently deployed on the South-East Asia – Australia trade route called the ‘AAX1’.
It began its 42-day round-trip in Malaysia, calling at Singapore before making its way to Webb Dock via Australia’s south-west coast.
Named after the Ural mountain range, the vessel can carry up to 10,662 TEU, with containers stacked up to 12 high on-deck.
Compared with the 4,500 TEU carried by the average container ship currently calling at PoM, this is said to be “a significant increase” in load carrying capacity.
The CMA CGM Ural will spend 44 hours in Melbourne before leaving for Sydney and Brisbane.
Port of Melbourne CEO Brendan Bourke said the arrival of CMA CGM Ural showed the durability of the Australia-Asia trade and the port’s ability to accommodate the “next generation” of ships.
“The arrival of CMA CGM Ural shows Port of Melbourne’s capacity to service the growing number of bigger vessels we’ll see into the future,” Mr Bourke said.
“PoM’s operations have undergone significant change over the years including automation, changes to supply chains, and to the infrastructure that supports them.
“We’re always looking at ways to leverage the significant capability of our operations.”
ANL general manager Asia ANZ lines, Anthony Orgill, said the arrival of the ship was significant.
“By implementing larger container ships into our services, we can support clients operating between Australia, South East Asia and beyond,” Mr Orgill said.
[This] occasion marks a fantastic milestone as a business and as an industry, highlighting our ongoing evolution to accommodate increasing demand, population growth and productivity.”
VICT chief executive Tim Vancampen said the arrival of CMA CGM Ural showed the growth of the shipping industry.
“VICT welcomes the 10,622 TEU CMA CGM Ural as the largest capacity vessel to call at the Port of Melbourne and congratulates all parties involved,” Mr Vancampen said.
“VICT is well equipped to accommodate this class of vessels ranging from 10,500 – 13,000 TEU and plans to further invest in the Port of Melbourne to accommodate the next generation of vessel ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 TEU,” he said.
“We will ensure that Port of Melbourne will continue to fulfil its role as the main gateway to Victoria, and consolidate and expand its position in the global shipping network.”
CMA CGM Ural previously docked at Port Adelaide where a video was made showing its arrival.
