The world’s largest “mega-vessel” has docked in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port.
The Chinese-owned MV Solar is just under 400 metres long, 59 metres wide and has a depth of 16 metres.
Its berth at the terminal owned and operated by Cosco Shipping comes shortly after several other world-leading container ships docked at the port.
MV CSCL Globe, with a capacity of 19,000 TEU – a unit indicting cargo capacity – arrived on April 27, and MV Pisces, with a capacity of 20,000 TEU, docked on May 5.
MV Solar, which has a capacity of 21,000 TEU, arrived in the UAE on May 25 before heading to Saudi Arabia.
The ships, which all started their journeys in Qingdao, China, further cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a major trading hub.
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: "The arrival of both the MV Cosco Shipping Solar and Pisces is a milestone moment for Abu Dhabi Ports and its partner, CSP.
“Not only does it demonstrate our growth as a hub port in the region, but also our position as the heart of Cosco’s network in the Middle East.
“The container industry is constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, and the use of mega-vessels to cut costs and time is a trend shaping the future of the sector.”
