MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced that MSC Gulsun, the world’s largest container ship, recently made its first port call in Shanghai on its way to Europe, as part of efforts to expand MSC's network in Asia.

MSC Gülsün is the first of a new class of 23,000+ TEU container ships to be added in 2019-2020 to the Asia-Europe shipping network of the Swiss-based shipping company. 

MSC confirmed there are 10 other ships in the pipeline in this class.

Built at the Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, MSC Gülsün sets a new standard in environmental performance by reducing the carbon footprint of companies shipping goods between Asia and Europe.

After it's Pudong call on July 20, the ship will also be calling at four other Chinese ports, as well in South Korea and Malaysia before finally sailing for Europe.

The new additions to the fleet feature innovative ship design, stability and cargo safety. It will also help maximize environmental performance by reducing CO2 emissions per container moved as part of efforts to meet international environmental policy targets from the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO).

MSC Gülsün is 400 meters long and has a record-size capacity of 23,756 TEUs.

The Swiss shipping line has 24 offices, depots, logistics centres, and container terminals in China. The shipping line makes direct calls at 14 coastal ports in China and connects Asia with all other continents in with offices in 155 countries.