CMA CGM Group commenced operations at the Port of Kaohsiung as the CMA CGM Kaohsiung Terminal Company on the first of September.
This follows a 20-year terminal lease extension agreement the group signed with Taiwan International Ports Corporation.
CMA CGM Kaohsiung Terminal general manager Sam Chou said the lease, which runs until 2040, is currently the longest contractual commitment made by a foreign entity in Kaohsiung Port.
“The Kaohsiung port sits at the crossroads of maritime transport connections between the Americas, Asia and Australia, making it an important transhipment hub for cargoes that we move to and from these continents and within Asia,” Mr Chou said.
“More than just a station for port stops by carriers, our terminal also specialises in handling goods that require customised and reefer solutions.”
A statement from CMA CGM said the Kaohsiung terminal receives 17 regular services including those of CMA CGM, CNC and ANL.
The terminal operates two cargo berths with a linear quay length of 640 metres and draught of 15 metres. Equipped to handle ships with capacities up to 14,000 TEU, the CMA CGM terminal offers an annual capacity of 1.3 million TEU.
The terminal runs on the Computer Automatic Terminal Operation System. The productivity rate at the terminal tops 35 container moves per hour, according to CMA CGM.
The 101-acre terminal comprises a 21,000-TEU yard that is supported by 19 rubber tyred gantry cranes and 12 container handlers; two container freight stations; three maintenance and repair workshops; and two gas stations. It is ISO 45001 certified.
