China Shipping’s CSCL Star, a container vessel with loading capacity up to 160,000 tonnes, docked in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province’s Cai Mep International Terminal (CMIT) on October 29.
The freighter – 366 metres long and more than 51 metres wide – can carry over 14,000 TEUs (a unit measuring cargo capacity).
Two hundred scenarios had been tested in preparation for the docking.
By successfully receiving the 14,000 TEUs, the CMIT has made Vietnam one of three regional countries – alongside Singapore and China – that can handle this type of ship.
This opens up a new shipping route between Asia and Europe, which will enhance competitiveness and bring about more opportunities for the container terminal.
The CMIT, a joint venture between Denmark-based APM Terminal, the Sai Gon Port and Vinalines, received 80,000-tonne-capacity vessels in 2010.
The CSCL Star docking has become a milestone for the deep-water port after upgrades were made to enhance its capacity.
China Shipping belongs to the “Ocean Three” Alliance that is formed by CMA-CMG of France, China Shipping Container Lines of China and United Arab Shipping Co. of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).-VNA