30-Sep-2004

The Port of Felixstowe welcomed China Shipping Container Lines’ newest ship, the ‘CSCL Europe’, on its maiden voyage from China and the Far East. With a declared capacity of 8,468 TEU, the ‘CSCL Europe’, together with its sister ship, the ‘CSCL’ Asia, are the largest container ships afloat today.

A reception was held at the Port of Felixstowe to welcome the ship, attended by customers of China Shipping, members of staff from China Shipping (UK), and senior managers from the Port of Felixstowe.

Richard Pearson, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the ‘CSCL Europe’ on its maiden call to the Port of Felixstowe. Our colleagues in our fellow ports of Yantian and Hong Kong had the opportunity to welcome the ‘CSCL Asia’ on its maiden call in July, and we extend the same warm welcome to its sister vessel, the ‘CSCL Europe’.”

He continued:

“We thank China Shipping for their continued commitment to the Port, and wish the ‘CSCL Europe’ and its crew well on its maiden voyage.”

Gu Jingsong, Managing Director of China Shipping (UK) Agency Co Ltd, said:

“The arrival of the ‘CSCL Europe’ marks the continued growth of China Shipping Container Lines, and establishes the company firmly amongst the major shipping lines of the world.”

The ‘CSCL Europe’ operates on the CSCL AEX 1 service, and called at the ports of Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Yantian, Hong Kong and Port Kelang, before setting out on its 16-day journey to Felixstowe. On completion of discharging and loading at Felixstowe, the ship will continue to Hamburg, Antwerp and Rotterdam, before returning to Asia.