ICTSI terminal welcomes call of largest boxship in Melbourne

The 299-metre long 10,662-teu vessel is one of six currently deployed on the Southeast Asia-Australia trade route AAX1. It commenced its 42-day round-trip in Malaysia, calling at Singapore. It then made its way around Australia’s southwest coast and arrived into Melbourne’s Webb Dock for handling by terminal operator ICTSI’s Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT).

Compared to the 4,500 teu carried by the average container ship currently calling at Melbourne port, this is a significant increase in load carrying capacity.

The CMA CGM Ural will later call Sydney and Brisbane.

The arrival of CMA CGM Ural is an indicator of the durability of Australia-Asia trade, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 and recent natural disasters, said Brendan Bourke, ceo Port of Melbourne (PoM). It also demonstrates the port’s ability to accommodate the next generation of global container vessels.

“The arrival of CMA CGM Ural shows Port of Melbourne’s capacity to service the growing number of bigger vessels we’ll 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,” Bourke said.

“We’re always looking at ways to leverage the significant capability of our operations. We’ve 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,” he said.

Tim Vancampen, ceo of VICT, stressed the arrival of CMA CGM Ural highlights the growth of the shipping industry and brings further economies of scale to the Victorian market and supply chain.

“VICT is well equipped to accommodate this class of vessels ranging from 10,500-13,000 teu and plans to further invest in the PoM to accommodate the next generation of vessel ranging from 15,000-18,000 teu. We will ensure that PoM will continue to fulfil its role as the main gateway to Victoria, and consolidate and expand its position in the global shipping network,” said Vancampen.

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