Dubai, 5th Feb. 2009 (WAM) -- Global marine terminal operator DP Worlds flagship Jebel Ali Port today welcomed the highest capacity container vessel in the world, the MSC Daniela, with a nominal capacity of 14,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units).
The Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) hosted a welcome reception at the terminal to mark the vessels maiden call to Jebel Ali. The ceremony was attended by senior executives from DP World and MSC as well as MSCs clients. The MSC Daniela is currently the largest container vessel in operation. With an overall length of 366 metres, a 51 metre beam, gross tonnage of 135,000 tonnes and a maximum draught of 15 metres, she spearheads the new generation of mega-vessels (over 12,000 TEU)Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP Worlds UAE Region, said:"We are proud to have the MSC Daniela call at our facility, underscoring Dubais regional hub status. ''Our Jebel Ali terminal is geared to efficiently handle vessels of her capacity and size. This is a direct result of listening to our customers needs, which allows us to plan and cater to future requirements."Captain G. Aponte, President of Mediterranean Shipping Company said:"We are very happy that the first of our new 14,000 TEU container vessels is calling at Jebel Ali, a modern and efficient terminal able to handle such big vessels. We take this opportunity to thank DP World for their consistent and pragmatic approach, and long term partnership. It is also due to this that MSC is in a position to grow in the Gulf. ''Our plans for the future have not changed and the consolidation and improvement of our commercial activity in the area remain strong and focussed, with a view to satisfy clients in the Gulf and their world wide suppliers to the highest degree."The MSC Daniela, berthed at DP Worlds Terminal 2 in Jebel Ali, following a visit to DP World-operated, Jeddah Islamic Port.]Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
