On 9 August, Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT) received the maiden vessel call from COSCO's largest container ship, “COSCO Long Beach”. To date there are close to 40 mega vessels from six shipping lines which regularly call at YICT, making the terminal one of the busiest ports of call for the world's largest container vessels.
Generally speaking, mega vessels pose a greater demand on ports in terms of water depth - in waterways and along berths - and operational efficiency. YICT meets such requirements by enjoying excellent natural conditions and advanced operational facilities and equipment.
Terminal productivity and efficiency have been increased with the opening of YICT’s new gatehouse and the new berths of Phase III. Combined these efforts have helped to shorten vessel berth time, ensuring YICT's level of service can handle this latest generation of container vessel. In addition, customs declaration has also improved at Yantian. Subsequent to the launch of seaport customs reform, the work hours of customs offices have been extended.
With a capacity of 8,000 TEU, “COSCO Long Beach” is 300 metres long and 42.8 metres wide with a draft of 13 metres and designed speed of 25 knots. Immediately after its launch this month in Korea, the vessel was deployed on the CSEA service with the rotation of Ningbo, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Yantian, Long Beach, Vancouver, Yokohama and Ningbo.