CMA CGM’s 18,000 TEU CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin will be calling at the Port of Los Angeles on December 26, 2015, becoming the largest container vessel ever to visit any US port.

“It’s fitting that the largest container ship to ever traverse North American waters would make its first call right here at the Port of Los Angeles,” said Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles. “The arrival of the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin sends a powerful message that our port stands among the world’s greatest, and that we are prepared to continue growing and adapting to the demands of our global economy.”

CMA CGM is the first carrier to serve the US with vessels of this size. According to the carrier, the upgrade reflects CMA CGM’s faith in the long-term potential of the US economy and its commitment to increasing its market share in the US.

The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, which was delivered on December 4, 2015, is being deployed on the Pearl River Express, and is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Oakland on December 31, 2015. It will then cross the Pacific and call at major Chinese ports such as Yantian and Hong Kong in January 2016.