One of the world’s largest container ships, Ever Ace which is operated by Evergreen Marine, has made its maiden call at Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe in the United Kingdom (UK).
The 24,000TEU capacity vessel which started its voyage from the Chinese port of Qingdao in July arrived at the UK’s largest container port on 13 September.
Commenting on the arrival, Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Felixstowe, said, “Our relationship with Evergreen dates back to 1979 when Evergreen launched its first Asia-Europe service and the scale of growth since then has been nothing short of staggering as those first ships had a capacity of just 1,200TEU, one-twentieth of the number the Ever Ace can carry.”
Ever Ace is the first of twelve 24,000 TEU class container ships ordered by the Taiwanese line, with a nominal carrying capacity of 23,992 TEU. The A-type vessel which is 400 meters long and 61.5 meters wide, has a design draft of 14.5 meters and can cruise at speeds up to 22.6 knots.
In order to accommodate more Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCV), the Port of Felixstowe will be further expanded, with works to increase the depth of the main approach channel into the port being estimated to commence in the autumn.
Undertaken by Harwich Haven Authority and due for completion in 18 months, the US$166 (£120) million investment will increase the depth of the channel from 14.5 metres to 16 metres.
