The colossus vessel honorably takes the name of the most important port in the Mediterranean.
Piraeus, July 10, 2023: PCT (Piraeus Container Terminal), in a landmark moment in its history, welcomes one of the largest container vessels worldwide (mega container vessels), on its maiden voyage. OOCL PIRAEUS - owned by Orient Overseas Container Line Europe, a subsidiary of COSCO S HIPPING Group - received its name in recognition of the important role played by Piraeus container terminal as a hub for international freight transport.
PCT welcomed the ship in a special ceremony organized at Piraeus Sailing Club in the presence of government officials, media representatives as well as representatives of OOCL, honoring this special occasion for Piraeus and the shipping community.
Mr. Zhang Anming, Managing Director of PCT said during his speech: " We are proud that one of the largest container ships in the world bears the name of the largest Greek port and will travel its glorious name around the world. For the last 13 years, PCT has been systematically investing in the main pillars of a modern, attractive and competitive port: people, society, infrastructure and technology. Our constant priority has been to not only meet, but also exceed our clients' expectations by providing them with high-caliber professional services in terms of security, timeliness and efficacy. It is worth mentioning that in 2022 OOCL’s volume at the Port of Piraeus reached more than 250.000 TEUs, a 400% increase compared to 2017, when OOCL joined the COSCO SHIPPING Group family. This is not only a good omen, but also a significant gesture showing that COSCO SHIPPING, OOCL and Piraeus port will further deepen their bond and jointly lead win-win results”.
Mr. Dean Russel, Third Party Agents Manager OOCL Regional Office (UK) stated during his greeting "I am very happy to be here today to mark this occasion and our strong partnership with PCT and OOCL’s commitment to the Greek Market. The OCCL Piraeus and her 11 sisters exemplify OOCL’s commitment to green shipping, reduced environmental impact per TEU, using eco friendly and intelligent technologies. We are very grateful for the support our customers here and around the world. OOCL will continue to deliver superior container transport and logistics services and deliver more value to our customers, employees shareholders and partners into the future. Piraeus has long been a strategic port in OOCL’s global network and we are looking forward to serving more customers here".
Captain Wang Jihang, Executive Deputy Managing Director of PCT pointed out: "For us in PCT, this naming fills us with pride and content. It stands as an international recognition of Piraeus’ rising course towards the most important container terminals in the Mediterranean and Europe. At the same time, the naming comes as a reward of PCT’s hard work, through which Piraeus reached a position worthy of its strategic location and rich history. The Port of Piraeus was selected to enter this vessel’s route due to the exceptional quality of services offered by PCT, coupled with the port’s favorable prospect as a gateway to international sea trade".
The impressive OOCL PIRAEUS at a glance:
With an overall length of 399.9 meters and a molded width of 61.3 meters, the “OOCL PIRAEUS", built in 2023, has a nominal container capacity of 24,188 TEUs and is one of the largest container vessels in the world. The newly built vessel incorporates latest technology, and is equipped with advanced smart systems and upgraded green design, such as low resistance lines design and an energy-saving bulbous bow.
OOCL PIRAEUS has joined OOCL 's LL3 route since June calling at 13 ports on an 84-day round trip connecting South East Asia with North West Europe. It is the second ship, after OOCL SPAIN, which called at Piraeus in April this year, of a series of 12 mega container vessels ordered by OOCL and built in China by Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co. Ltd. (DACKS).
Watch the video from the event here.
