MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company set a record for the heaviest container vessel that has ever entered the Port of Melbourne on 24 November.
The 8,500 TEU container ship MSC Rachele successfully berthed at Swanson Dock East with a maximum arrival draught of 14.0 mt and an arrival displacement of 123,900 ton.
This achievement is set in the context of exceptionally strong import container trade volumes into Australia, particularly from Asia, which are driving this record-setting results.
Kevin Clarke, Managing Director MSC Australia and New Zealand commented: “MSC is acutely aware that we are a key actor in the global supply chain. This year, it has been more vital than ever that MSC’s services throughout Oceania remained flexible and scalable enough to manage these increased volumes. The subsequent rebounds in trade flows we are now seeing after the easing of lockdowns underscores the strategic importance of being able to offer Australian importers and exporters a flexible and reliable shipping network.”
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company would like to thank service providers Port of Melbourne, Patrick Terminals, Port Phillip Sea Pilots and Svitzer for their help achieving this record.