14-Jun-2005

Thamesport (London) Limited has welcomed its largest ever vessel, the brand new 8,100-TEU LT Cortesia, deployed on Evergreen’s China-Europe- Mediterranean (CEM) service.

The vessel is operated by Lloyd Triestino, part of the Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taipei), along with Hatsu Marine Limited.

The 334-metre-long LT Cortesia is one of eight ‘C’ type vessels being introduced on this service in the coming months to replace the 5,600-TEU ‘U’ type vessels currently deployed.

Its sister vessel, Ever Champion, is due to call at the Medway port at the end of June.

In order to accommodate the new larger vessels being used by shipping lines on Far East routes, Thamesport has undertaken an ambitious modification programme to five of its quayside cranes. The cranes have had their maximum hoist height increased by three metres and outreach extended by 2.5 metres, meaning that they can efficiently handle vessels such as the LT Cortesia, which can stow containers across 17 rows.

David Gledhill, Chief Operating Officer of Thamesport, commented:

“We warmly welcome Evergreen’s decision to upgrade their fleet on the CEM service. The additional capacity available on this route means that Thamesport can expect to handle even greater volumes of cargo from China in the future.”

He added:

“The 2.4 million pounds investment we have made in upgrading our cranes has significantly enhanced our ability to handle the very latest generation of container vessels, such as the LT Cortesia, and we look forward to welcoming its sister ships in the coming months.”

To commemorate the inaugural visit of the LT Cortesia to Thamesport, Chris Hall, Divisional Manager, presented the Master of the vessel, Capt. Jabs, with a print from a newly commissioned painting of the Port, by local Medway artist, Chris Jarvis. The ceremony was attended by a delegation of Evergreen officials, including Mr. James Hwang, President – Evergreen UK/London.