The 299-metre long vessel is one of six currently
deployed on the South-East Asia - Australia trade route called the ‘AAX1’. It
commenced its 42-day round-trip in Malaysia, calling at Singapore. It then made
its way around Australia’s south-west coast and arrived into Melbourne’s Webb
Dock for handling by terminal operator Victoria International Container
Terminal (VICT).
Named after the Ural mountain range that runs from north
to south through western Russia, the vessel can carry up to 10,662 TEU (Twenty
foot equivalent unit), with containers stacked up to 12 high on-deck. Compared
to the 4,500 TEU carried by the average container ship currently calling at
PoM, this is a significant increase in load carrying capacity.
The CMA CGM Ural will spend 44 hours in Melbourne before
departing for Sydney and Brisbane.
Brendan Bourke, CEO Port of Melbourne, said the arrival
of CMA CGM Ural is an indicator of the durability of Australia-Asia trade,
despite the challenges presented by COVID19 and recent natural disasters. It
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.
"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.
Anthony Orgill, General Manager Asia ANZ Lines, ANL, said
the arrival of the vessel was significant for the shipping industry.
"By implementing larger container ships into our
services, we can support clients operating between Australia, South East Asia
and beyond. Today’s occasion marks a fantastic milestone as a business and as
an industry, highlighting our ongoing evolution to accommodate increasing
demand, population growth and productivity," he said.
Tim Vancampen, CEO, 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 welcomes the 10,622 TEU CMA CGM Ural as the
largest capacity vessel to call at the Port of Melbourne and congratulates all
parties involved," he said.
"VICT is well equipped to accommodate this class of
vessels ranging from 10,500 – 13,000 TEU and plans to further invest in the
Port of Melbourne to accommodate the next generation of vessel ranging from
15,000 to 18,000 TEU. We will ensure that Port of Melbourne will continue to
fulfil its role as the main gateway to Victoria, and consolidate and expand its
position in the global shipping network."
Credit: www.portwings.in
