COSCO sends giant mega container ships to test out new Port Khalifa terminal
CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, a container terminal built and operated by China’s COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (CSP) at Khalifa Port in partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports, has received two of the world’s largest megavessels.
The ships Solar and Pisces are the third and fourth main line vessels to pass through CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal since it started trial operations in April. They are the largest container ships ever to dock in Port Khalifa and follow the arrival of CSCL Mercury, a Chinese container ship with a capacity of 14,000 TEU, on 20 April 2019, and CSCL Globe, which arrived on 27 April 2019 with a capacity of 19,000 TEU.
The arrival of the ships, which started their journeys from Qingdao in China, highlights Abu Dhabi’s position as a major trade hub along China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The arrival of both the Solar and Pisces is a milestone moment for Abu Dhabi Ports and its partner, CSP. Not only does it demonstrate our growth as a hub port in the region, but also our position as the heart of COSCO’s network in the Middle East.”
“The container industry is constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, and the use of mega-vessels to cut costs and time is a trend shaping the future of the sector,” he added. “We have ensured that through CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, Khalifa Port is able to handle the largest vessels of today and adapt to those of tomorrow.”