DP World Southampton Handles Longest Containership Ever

DP World Southampton welcomed the Marit Maersk on Friday 13 February 2009, setting a new record as the longest containership to call at Southampton in the terminal’s history.

The Marit Maersk at a length of 367 metres and a capacity of nearly 7,000 TEU made a one off call at the terminal during a positioning voyage from Europe to the Far East. 

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

“We were delighted to welcome the Captain and crew of the Marit Maersk on her maiden call to Southampton, as she set a new record for the longest vessel ever to call at DP World Southampton. Looking beyond the current trading situation, the industry is trending toward ever larger vessels and we are continuing to expand our shipside operational capability to meet the longer term needs of our customers. ”

Mark Cornwell, Operations Director, Maersk Line UK & Ireland, added:

“As one of our newest vessels, the Marit Maersk includes many industry-leading technological and operational innovations which help preserve the environment. This includes a main engine and waste heat recovery system designed to achieve up to 10% reduced fuel consumption. 

We are very pleased that the Marit Maersk was able to play a part in this important milestone in the terminal’s history and demonstrate Maersk Line's continued commitment to providing reliable transportation solutions for our customers in the UK.”

During the vessel’s visit the traditional plaque presentation took place between Captain Benny Rasmussen (vessel’s master), Stuart Morris (DP World Southampton’s Shift Manager), Captain Phil Holliday (ABP Southampton’s Harbour Master) and Geoff Lock (Maersk Line’s Operations Manager).