The Ocean Alliance's 13,100-TEU COSCO Development has become the largest ship to ever visit the US East Coast after berthing at the Virginia International Gateway (VIG) terminal.
Port of Virginia aims to be the “premiere port” for the East Coast and is positioning itself to accommodate more vessels in the 13,000-plus TEU range after two large-scale projects are completed in 2020 that will almost double annual cargo handling capabilities.
On its way to the East Coast, COSCO Development became the largest vessel to transit the canal on May 2, 2017.
Proud to partner with @MoranTug Jack Moran to take great images like this of @COSCOSHPGLines DEVELOPMENT #SEETHEDEVELOPMENT #MOMENTUM pic.twitter.com/pboK1q9or8
— The Port of Virginia (@PortofVirginia) May 8, 2017
Development is deployed in the South Atlantic Express (SAX) service, which operates with 11 vessels with an average of 12,137 TEUs in capacity, has a rotation of Hong Kong, Yantian, Ningbo, Shanghai, Colon (PA), Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, and Hong Kong.
@PortofVirginia @VirginiaExports Largest vessel to call US East Coast port – COSCO Development! #GoGlobal #TEAMTrade pic.twitter.com/MAID9F4uGf
— Holly Pearce (@HollyPearceVA) May 8, 2017
John F. Reinhart, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, stated after the port’s March results that he is expecting volume to remain in “positive territory” in spring and into the peak season.
He said: “The new ocean-carrier alliances will be fully operational this month (April) and we will be seeing more big ships, like the COSCO Development, moving considerable amounts of cargo.
“As these ships arrive, planning and preparation are going to be paramount to our efficiency.”
Rival to the Ocean Alliance, THE Alliance, also made its mark recently as the largest container vessel to call in Canada, the Hapag-Lloyd 13,200 TEU Antwerpen Express, berthed at Port of Vancouver’s GCT Deltaport.
