THE Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) has conducted two navigational trials to test port access and turning basins for 15,500 TEU vessels, reports Dredging Today.
The first trial was on the 14,770-TEU Eleonora Maersk arriving from the Suez Canal`s North Bound Convoy, with a draft of 14.9 metres, berthing alongside before re-joining the convoy to continue her voyage to the west.
The second trial took place on October 5 when the 11,000-TEU Edith Maersk approached the terminal from the north, completing a 180 degree manoeuvre in the turning basin.
Said terminal CEO Klaus Laursen: "Both trials would not have been possible without the excellent cooperation and leadership of both the Suez Canal Authority and Port Said."
Said Maersk`s country manager Simon Brown: "Maersk Line is proud of this collaborative achievement which continues its tradition of innovation and business development in Egypt."
Said Suez Canan COO Jan Buijze: "With these two successful trials, SCCT is now open for vessels with a length of 397 metres and beam 56.4 metres [22 containers]."
Port Said, at the mouth of the Suez Canal on the Mediterranean, is a transshipment centre for Far Eastern cargo destined for southern Europe and the Med/Black Sea Region. The Suez Canal Container Terminal, located at Port Said East, is a joint venture in which APM Terminals is the majority shareholder.
Today, SCCT has 18 cranes with 22 container outreach, 2,400 metres of quay, 15 metres of draft and zero deviation from the Suez Canal.