The 2,754-TEU Kota Gabung made its maiden calls in two Papua New Guinea terminals operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. to become the largest box ship to ever dock in the Pacific country and the region.
The Kota Gabung first called at the South Pacific International Container Terminal in Lae on 12 November and at the Motukea International Terminal in Motukea on 17 November, according to an ICTSI statement.
The ship is operated by Mariana Express Line Ltd. as part of the North Asia Express service, which is a
vessel-sharing agreement with Swire Shipping Line.
The NAX service connects Eastern and Southern China's main ports to PNG and Northern Australia.
"This milestone highlights the growing confidence in ICTSI South Pacific terminals for delivering best-in-class service. It is aligned with our recent strong investment in pursuit of our vision of making our facilities the most modern and efficient port terminals in the Pacific Islands region," Robert Maxwell, ICTSI South Pacific CEO, said.
The SPICT is now equipped with two post-Panamax
ship-to-shore cranes, which can service up to 6,000-TEU vessels.
The cranes are the first and largest of their kind in PNG.
Meanwhile, the MIT has doubled its waterside capability this year by adding another mobile harbor crane to ensure a safer and faster turnaround of ships.
"We appreciate Mariana Express Line Ltd., a subsidiary of Pacific International Lines, for the trust in us to ensure the success of this gearless vessel addition to PNG trade. We are looking forward to seeing more gearless vessels being deployed in the future," Maxwell added.