KCT Welcomes One of the Largest Containerships in the World

Gulftainer welcomed the CMA CGM Antoine De Saint Exupery on its maiden call at its flagship Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT). With a capacity of 20,600 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), the 400-metre ship is one of the largest containerships in the world and marks KCT’s largest ever vessel call.

CMA CGM currently operates a diversified fleet of 445 vessels with a combined capacity of over two million TEU. The company deployed the new build on its French Asia Line 1 service, which connects Asia to Northern Europe. Prior to its arrival at KCT, the vessel, which is longer than 4 football fields and bigger than the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower had made calls in a number of major ports within Europe.

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Richards, Group CEO of Gulftainer, said: “We are delighted to welcome the CMA CGM Antoine De Saint Exupery, at our flagship Khorfakkan Container Terminal. Receiving one of the largest containerships in the world signifies our ability to deliver the highest standards of operational efficiency, which is of tremendous value to large vessels such as this. It represents another achievement for Gulftainer and is a testament to our strengthening relationship with the CMA CGM group, as well as their confidence in us.”

The Journal of Commerce has recognised KCT, Gulftainer’s flagship terminal, as the fastest terminal in the MENA region and third-fastest in the world.

With recent upgrades, including the deployment of the Marine and Container Handling (MACH) terminal operating system (TOS), and infrastructure improvements such as new specialized crane equipment, KCT is well-positioned to meet the needs of mega vessels.

Richards added: “Given the fast-paced changes in the industry, we are constantly reviewing our services and capabilities across our portfolio. While KCT has traditionally been used as a transhipment hub, we are increasingly receiving gateway cargo as well, which we see as a massive opportunity going forward.” (Source: Gulftainer).