The Port of Melbourne (PoM) has hosted the CMA CGM Ural, the largest container ship by the capacity to dock at the Australian port.
The 299m-long vessel arrived from Singapore and moored at the port’s Webb Dock for handling by terminal operator Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT).
PoM CEO Brendan Bourke said that the arrival of CMA CGM Ural demonstrates the port’s capability to accommodate larger container ships.
Bourke said: “The arrival of CMA CGM Ural shows Port of Melbourne’s capacity to service the growing number of bigger vessels we will see into the future. PoM’s operations have undergone significant change over the years, including automation, changes to supply chains and to the infrastructure that supports them.
“We are always looking at ways to leverage the significant capability of our operations. We have developed a 30-year strategy that addresses PoM’s critical role as part of an interconnected network of physical infrastructure, commercial systems and land-uses.”
Usually, vessels with an average capacity of 4,500 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) call at the Melbourne port.
On the other hand, CMA CGM Ural can carry up to 10,662 TEU of cargo.
VICT CEO Tim Vancampen said: “VICT is well-equipped to accommodate this class of vessels, ranging from 10,500 TEU – 13,000 TEU and plans to further invest in the Port of Melbourne to accommodate the next generation of the vessel, ranging from 15,000 TEU to 18,000 TEU.
“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, named after the Ural mountain range, started its journey from Malaysia and called at Singapore before arriving at Melbourne. The vessel will now travel to other Australian cities of Sydney and Brisbane.
