Adm. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, announced that traffic through the Canal today witnessed the transit of the mega container ship CMA CGM SAINT GERMAIN, one of the world's largest container ships, on its first voyage through the Canal. The vessel transited amongst vessels of the north convoy on its way from Morocco to Malaysia.
The vessel, affiliated to the French shipping line CMA CGM, is 399.9 m. in length, has a beam of 61.3 m., a draft of 16 m., a gross tonnage of 238 thousand tons and can carry 23876 TEUs on board.
The LNG-powered vessel is equipped with a fuel tank of a capacity of 18,600 m3 which enables it to make longer voyages between Europe and Asia. It operates as a part of the NEU 5 FAL3 maritime service which is operated by Ocean Alliance providing its services on the trade route between The Far East and North-West Europe.
The Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority directed that all necessary measures and procedures be taken to ensure safe transit, including the assignment of a team of chief pilots and the provision of navigational assistance by escorting tugboats.
In accordance with the Suez Canal Authority's protocol for vessels transiting through the Canal for the first time, Adm. Rabiee delegated Captain Ahmed Nosair, Chief Pilot, and Captain Samir Jaafar, Chief Pilot, to board the vessel, welcome its crew, and present a commemorative gift to the vessel's Master.
On his part, Adm. Rabiee affirmed that the continued transit of mega container ships through the Suez Canal provides positive indicators regarding the gradual return of major shipping lines. In this regard, H.E. stressed the Canal's complete readiness to accommodate the world's largest and most advanced vessels, while the Suez Canal continues its vital role in serving global trade and ensuring the sustainability of supply chains.
Furthermore, Adm. Rabiee pointed out that the Authority is continuing to implement its plans to enhance the quality of its maritime services to meet clients’ demands by providing a package of new, high-quality services not previously available. These include maritime salvage, ship maintenance and repair, water ambulance services, as well as bunkering and crew change services, thereby strengthening the Suez Canal’s competitiveness and further consolidating its position as one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.