Thamesport welcomes new UASC vessel

Thamesport (London) welcomed the inaugural call of the largest vessel operated by UASC on 27th March 2008.  The 306m-long, 6,900-TEU Hatta is currently deployed on UASC’s ‘AEC 1’ Asia-Europe service, which calls at Thamesport on a weekly basis.

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns Thamesport (London), commented:

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to handle the Hatta at Thamesport on its maiden call to the UK.  The arrival of this vessel demonstrates to the industry that UASC is seeking to develop its services with the procurement of new and larger container ships.” 

The vessel’s inaugural visit was commemorated with a function attended by a group of customers and officials, including Bjarne Ehlig-Jensen, Vice-President of UASC (Europe).  A presentation was made to the Ship’s Master, which was followed by a tour of the new vessel and a celebratory lunch.

The Hatta is one of eight newbuilds for UASC, and heralds a new generation of high-speed, fuel efficient ships.  The eight vessels rerepresent an estimated investment of $850 million by UASC.

Source: Transportweekly