CMA CGM Vela Marks New Terminal Record for DP World Southampton

The arrival of the CMA CGM Vela  on Tuesday 18 November 2008 at 0400 hrs set a new terminal record for the largest declared containership to call at DP World Southampton.

The CMA CGM Vela with a capacity of 11,040 TEU, a gross tonnage of 129,000 tonnes and a length of 347 metres carries 14% more capacity than the terminal’s previous record holder the CMA CGM Orfeo which called at the terminal in August this year. 

Talking about the new record, Campbell Mason, Managing Director, DP World Southampton, said:

“We are delighted to welcome yet another record breaker to the terminal.  The fact that we were celebrating a record size vessel only a few months ago highlights the increasing trend within the industry toward ever larger, cost effective ships.

With the terminal’s first two super post-panamax cranes now in full operation and an additional two super post-panamax cranes scheduled to arrive next summer, we are well positioned to meet that industry trend.”

During the vessel’s visit the traditional plaque exchange ceremony took place between Captain Cubasch (vessel’s master), Campbell Mason (DP World Southampton’s Managing Director), Neil Fletcher (DP World Southampton’s Customer Service & Planning Manager) and Tom McNamara (CMA CGM’s UK Port Operations Manager).