Southampton handles its biggest ever vessel

The CMA CGM Vela, with a capacity of 11,040 teu, a gross tonnage of 129,000 tonnes and a length of 347 m, carries 14% more capacity than the terminal’s previous record-holder, the CMA CGM Orfeo, which called at the terminal in August this year.

Campbell Mason, managing director of DP World Southampton, said: “The fact that we were celebrating a record size vessel only a few months ago highlights the increasing trend within the industry toward ever larger, cost-effective ships. With the terminal’s first two super post-Panamax cranes now in full operation and an additional two scheduled to arrive next summer, we are well positioned to meet that industry trend.”