Gulftainer, the region's leading port management and logistics firm, announced that its Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT) received the “CMA CGM VELA” on Thursday. At 11,000 TEU, the 347 meter-long ship is not only the largest ship handled by Gulftainer since its inception in 1976, but also one of the largest ever handled by any port in the region. Gulftainer's Commercial Manager Keith Nuttall and Terminal Manager Dag Froehmcke welcomed the ship, They made a “maiden call” presentation to the ship's master Captain Wilhelm Cubasch on Friday to commemorate the historic occasion. “Nearly 200 large container ships of 10,000 TEU plus are on order over the next four years, and this has confirmed that KCT will be able to continue to provide the high levels of service that people have come to expect to these new ships as well,” Nuttall said. CMA CGM VELA has a 15.5 meter draft and a maximum speed of 24.6 knots. CMA CGM is currently the world's third largest container shipping company, serving 400 ports of call around the world. KCT had to ensure that operational performance was up to the usual high standards and that the large ship was handled quickly and effectively to keep her on schedule. Unsurprisingly, and due in large part to the work of Gulftainer's committed staff, everything went smoothly, and the ship was able to depart on time for the Far East. Commenting on the occasion, Gulftainer Director and General Manager Peter Richards said, “2008 has been a very successful year for Gulftainer, with both KCT and the Sharjah terminal having already achieved record throughput levels, despite very challenging conditions, including the congestion being experienced at many ports throughout the region.”
