The Hong Kong Seaport Alliance (HKSPA) has welcomed HMM GDANSK, the world’s largest container vessel, on its maiden call to Hong Kong at Kwai Tsing Container Terminal 7.

HMM GDANSK is one of the twelve 24,000-TEU class of mega vessels of HMM Co., Ltd., and is the largest containership to call at the port of Hong Kong to date.

Currently the largest in the world, the vessel features a length of 399.9 metres, a width of 61.18 metres and a maximum capacity of 23,964 TEU.

It operates THE Alliance Far East Europe 3 service from June 2020, connecting major ports in China, Asia and Europe.

Efficiency, flexibility at HKSPA ports 

HKSPA said since its inception, it has been delivering greater efficiency and enhanced services to customers, capitalising on the flexibility in berth and yard planning brought by the combined facilities encompassing 23 berths.

“We are excited to welcome the world’s biggest vessel on its maiden call at such challenging times. This is a momentous event for Hong Kong’s maritime industry and HIT, signifying a vote of confidence in our offering and allowing us to capture future opportunities,” said Leonard Fung, managing director of Hongkong International Terminals (HIT).

“Thanks to increased tonnage and capacity fuelled by technological advances and growing customer demand, more and more mega vessels are now coming into service.”

Fung noted that many of these ships choose to berth at HKSPA members’ terminals, demonstrating our efficiency and capabilities in servicing mega vessels.

A spokesperson of the Transport and Housing Bureau said “as one of the top ten ports in the world, Hong Kong is renowned for its efficiency and excellent facilities. Kwai Tsing port is capable of handling several mega vessels at the same time.”

Ready to handle mega-vessels

“HMM GDANSK berthing in her maiden call is a testament to Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre. We look forward to welcoming more vessels of the same classification to call Hong Kong,” said Chris J.K. Oh, general manager, Hong Kong of HMM  Co., Ltd.

“We are glad that HMM GDANSK berths at such an important and efficient port as Hong Kong. We operate several mega vessels equipped with cutting-edge technology. Our navigation system, monitoring system and environmentally-friendly facilities outperform others in the industry. With a wealth of experience and outstanding performance, we are the preferred commercial partner of our customers in global trade.”

Horace Lo, group managing director of Modern Terminals Limited said: “Hong Kong has seen vigorous development of its maritime and port industry. We are well prepared to service this series of mega vessels in regular calls at our terminals. HKSPA’s combined facilities have made Hong Kong the port of choice for global carriers for handling their mega vessels.”

Vessel route  

HMM GDANSK is equipped with the world’s most advanced DS4® (DSME Smart Ship Platform), ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), monitoring system and smart navigation system to ensure the best and safest routes for the vessel.

In response to the new International Maritime Organisation’s environmental regulations, HMM GDANSK has installed scrubbers to reduce its sulfur emissions and impacts on the environment.

HMM GDANSK departed from Busan on 29 June 2020 and sailed onwards through Ningbo, Yangshan, Xiamen, Kaohsiung and now Hong Kong. It will sail to major ports including Yantian, Suez Canal, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, London, Jebel Ali and Singapore.

It will call again at Yantian and Hong Kong before returning to Ningbo and Kaohsiung.