KUALA LUMPUR: MMC Corp Bhd’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) became the first port in Southeast Asia to welcome a mega vessel – the Madrid Maersk – owned by Maersk Line, the world's largest container shipping company.
The vessel, which was previously berthed at Yantian, China, is scheduled to make the next port of call at Port of Algeciras, Spain.
PTP chairman Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the PTP has the capacity and capability to accommodate mega vessels because it is fitted out with the right facilities and equipment.
“The port is designed for the latest generation of container vessels and to handle huge volumes.
“We are proud to host the Madrid Maersk as not many ports in the world can handle such mega vessels.
“Strategic investment in our equipment and facilities is continuing progressively. Our equipment upgrading and expansion programme will ensure that the PTP can keep up with the rapid changes in the port and shipping industries, and subsequently meet the growing demand of our customers,” he added
The Madrid Maersk is the first in a series of Maersk Line’s second generation Triple-E vessels.
Its nominal capacity is 20,568 20-ft containers (TEU), nearly 2,000 more than the prior generation.
The Madrid Maersk reportedly measures 399 metres in length and has a width of 58.6 metres.