New generation of MCL vessels

Sharjah, UAE. 13 May, 2013: Gulftainer-operated Sharjah Container Terminal was the site for the launch of the Mag Container Line (MCL), the Mag Bride, the first of four new vessels. The Mag Bride will operate on MCL's Sharjah to Abu Fulous, Iraq service.

The vessel is the first of four replacements being made in the MCL fleet. The launch took place at Sharjah Port's Berth Four, with MCL CEO, Hagop Gharnagharian and the MCL management team at the start of a new chapter for the Sharjah based shipping line.

MCL's Commercial Director, Kiyork Zerestian, re-affirmed Sharjah Container Terminal as their base in the UAE saying 'Gulftainer and Mag Line are together as one and this development will lead to greater volumes for us at Sharjah, for sure.'

As the largest export shipping line at Sharjah Container Terminal, Gulftainer has worked closely with MCL for 10 years, Peter Richards, Managing Director for Gulftainer said "We have a long standing association with MCL and look forward to working with the new vessels as they come online. It is fantastic to see the Mag Bride officially launch from a Gulftainer port and is a true recognition of the strength of our companies' relationship."

In keeping with maritime traditions, the Master of the Mag Bride was presented with a commemorative shield by SCT Terminal Manager, Richard James, to mark the occasion of the maiden call.

The vessel is equipped with the latest navigational technologies and communications equipment. The Mag Bride is registered in Charlestown, under the St Kitts and Nevis flag at a deadweight of 3,549 tons. She is 93 meters long, will draw between 5-6m and has a maximum capacity of 301 TEUs including 60 reefer points.

The Mag Bride will complete all acceptance trials at SCT before entering operational service, and will be joined by sister ships, Mag Pearl, Al Hussein and Mag Excellence over the coming month.

About Gulftainer
Gulftainer a privately owned UAE enterprise established in 1976, is a rapidly expanding, dynamic ports and logistics company now operating in various parts of the world. The Gulftainer Group operates and manages ports and logistics businesses in several countries, including the UAE, Iraq, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, Lebanon and Turkey. Gulftainer operates three main UAE ports: two on behalf of the Sharjah Port Authority - Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT) and Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT); and one in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, on behalf of the international plastics solutions company, Borouge.

For further information, please contact:
Labiba Hamdan
Ketchum Raad Middle East
+971 4 4258888
labiba.hamdan@ketchum-raad.com 

© Press Release 2013