PAPUA NEW GUINEA Ports Corporation is celebrating the visit of the largest containership ever to visit one of the country’s ports.
The ANL-operated CMA CGM Perth, at 262 metres in length and with a container capacity of 4,249 TEU, called at Lae on Tuesday [25 February} while on a northbound voyage from NZ to North East Asia on the ANZEX service, operated with partners OOCL, Cosco and PIL.
PNGPC described the traditional Panamax boxboat’s call to the Lae Tidal Basin as “A significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening maritime trade, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and fostering economic growth in Papua New Guinea.
“The arrival of CMA CGM Perth is more than just an introduction of a new vessel; it represents progress, enhanced connectivity, and the confidence that global shipping partners continue to place in our port infrastructure,” the corporation said.
“The arrival of the vessel demonstrates the Lae Tidal Basin’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels and [terminal operator] ICTSI’s ability to handle them efficiently. This is the largest gearless vessel to berth at the port, and we anticipate more such arrivals in the future, given the successful turnaround of this voyage.
“This is a positive development, reflecting the returns on our investments in the Port of Lae and the Lae Tidal Basin. It underscores the trust that major international shipping lines have in our port facilities and in ICTSI, the operator of the Lae Tidal Basin.”
The recent installation of bollards at the Tidal Basin has extended the quay length beyond its original 240 metres, allowing larger vessels to berth safely and efficiently, PNGPC said..
Without wishing to diminish PNGPC’s celebration DCN understands CMA CGM Perth’s visit was primarily to load a surplus of empty containers.
