News Release

21st March 2000

XICT welcomes the second container liner service to Europe


Xiamen International Container Terminals Limited (XICT) announced the second weekly container liner service to Europe following the inaugural call of Maersk Sealand’s MV “Marstal Maersk” at XICT on March 15, 2000. The vessel was the largest container ship which has ever called at XICT, and also the largest handled in Xiamen.

Maersk Sealand, the biggest shipping company in the world, operates a fleet of 250 vessels and over 600,000 containers, providing a total capacity of more than five million TEUs. The fleet calls at 20,000 ports in more than 100 countries and regions annually. Maersk Sealand has established 20 branches and representative offices in China.

Maersk Sealand deploys a fleet of nine container vessels on this AE2 service . MV “Marstal Maersk”, measured 294 metres in length and 32 metres in breadth, accommodates 13 containers across the deck, totalling a capacity of 4,090 TEUs. 486 refrigerator sockets are also installed for handling reefers.

This new container liner service calls at Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen (XICT), Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe.

Mr. Patrick Lam, General Manager of XICT, welcomed the new service, “We are honoured that Maersk Sealand, the largest shipping company, has chosen XICT as the port of call in Xiamen for its Far East – Europe service. XICT commits to match this prestigious shipping company with world class service. With this new service added, there are now two weekly Europe services calling at XICT.”

Mr. Alfred Leung, General Manager of Hutchison Delta Ports Limited (HDP), commented on the newly inaugurated service, “The berthing of MV “Marstal Maersk” at XICT indicates the trend of larger vessels calling at XICT. It marks the increasing confidence of worldwide shipping companies such as Maersk Sealand in our services and facilities. It also states clearly the increasing trade and cargo volume in Xiamen and the hinterland. XICT is the only hub port in the region which is fully equipped to serve the fourth generation container vessels. We will always endeavour to improve our service level and facilities for providing efficient and reliable service to manufacturers and shippers in the region.”