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Los Angeles Welcomes Largest Container Ship to Call in North America

[ December 23, 2015   //   ]

The largest container ship ever to call at a North American port arrived at the Port of Los Angeles on Dec.26th.

CMA-CGM launched the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin on Dec. 10.The vessel made her maiden call at APM Terminals-Pier 400 at the Port of Los Angeles. The ship has a capacity of nearly 18,000 TEUs, which is about a third larger than the biggest container ships that currently call at the San Pedro Bay port complex.

“It’s fitting that the largest container ship to ever traverse North American waters would make its first call right here at the Port of Los Angeles,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti, who recently met with Founder and Chairman Jacques Saadé and other top CMA CGM executives. “The arrival of the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin sends a powerful message that our port stands among the world’s greatest, and that we are prepared to continue growing and adapting to the demands of our global economy.”

“As we were reminded nearly a year ago when activity at the ports along the West Coast came to a near standstill, our ports are a critical economic engine at the local, regional and national levels,” said Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez.  “Their effective, efficient operation is necessary for 21st century global commerce, and today’s news demonstrates that the Port of LA is prepared for the next phase of modern trade. Working together, the shipping companies and port workers have enabled the port to bounce back from last year’s slowdown and show the world its capabilities.”

“Together with the Board of Harbor Commissioners, we appreciate the confidence CMA-CGM has instilled in the Port of Los Angeles and the opportunities this vessel call will provide to APM Terminals, longshore labor and supply chain partners,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Earlier this year APM Terminals, longshore, and land-side logistics partners efficiently processed three 13,000 TEUs ships concurrently producing more than 38,000 container moves over an 8-day period. The arrival of the CMA-CGM Benjamin Franklin signals a new chapter in Pacific Rim trade flow and supply chain optimization.”

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