Maersk 'likely' to send bigger vessels through the expanded Panama Canal
Time：2016-07-01
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Now that the expanded Panama Canal has opened, the shipping line, which is one of the Panama Canal`s largest customers, said it is likely to reroute one or more services, reported the LA-area gCaptain.
"The expansion provides us with more options, most notably to our Asia to South America and Asia to US east coast routes," said Maersk Line network chief Anders Boenaes.
"It is likely that Maersk Line will make increased use of the expanded Panama Canal and adjust one or more services with larger vessels to begin sailing through its new locks," he said.
The carrier said that it expects to perform 400 vessel transits through the Panama Canal for a combined 400,000 TEU this year, which will result in it paying US$100 million in estimated canal fees. In 2015, it made 313 transits and paid $80 million in fees.
Said Maersk Line chief operating officer Soren Toft: "Maersk welcomes the expansion. We look forward to seeing our larger vessels pass through the new locks. It is a very positive development."