CMA CGM Christophe Colomb Sets New Record for Southampton

The CMA CGM Christope Colomb berth at DP World Southampton Southampton 14 July 2010: The arrival of the CMA CGM Christophe Colomb to DP World Southampton marked a new milestone in the terminal’s history as the largest containership ever to call at the terminal.

At 2200hrs on Thursday 8 July 2010, the 13,830 TEU and 365.5m long vessel arrived in port, on a sailing on the French Asia Line (FAL) 1 service, as part of a repositioning programme to the FAL 5 service. During her stay all four of the terminal’s super post-panamax gantry cranes were deployed on her to exchange circa 2400 boxes and once completed the vessel departed for Le Havre.

Talking about the record breaker – Aart Hille Ris Lambers, DP World Southampton’s Business Development Manager, said: “It was a real privilege to welcome the Captain and crew of the CMA CGM Christophe Colomb during their record breaking call to the terminal. The additional super post-panamax crane order and deepening of the berths, demonstrate DP World Southampton’s commitment to develop the terminal in line with customer demand.

In handling this vessel, we have been able to demonstrate that as a terminal we can accommodate some of the world’s largest containerships afloat.”

During the vessel’s visit, the traditional plaque presentation took place between the Captain and representatives from DP World Southampton and Associated British Ports.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

DP World Southampton is the UK’s second largest container terminal.
DP World Southampton is a joint venture between DP World (51%) and Associated British Ports (49%).
The terminal currently operates with four super post-panamax gantry cranes.
In June 2010, DP World Southampton placed an order for two additional super post-panamax gantry cranes which are expected to be delivered into operation during quarter one 2011.
DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49 terminals and 12 new developments across 31 countries.
In 2009, DP World handled more than 43.4 million TEU across its portfolio.