French line's biggest ever calls at CT

The largest CMA CGM container vessel in history to call at the Port of Cape Town docked in the harbour last week, heralding a new era as the container line continues to expand its African footprint. According to Esteve Servajean, managing director of CMA CGM South Africa, Cape Town will in future be a regular call for the ER Canada, one of CMA CGM’s newer vessels. “It is a clear sign of the times,” Servajean told FTW. “Volumes are on the increase and there is major growth in the southern African market. We need bigger vessels to service South Africa’s ports and the ER Canada will now be a regular sight in Cape Town.” The vessel was built in 2001 and is capable of loading 6000 TEUs with at least 650 reefer sockets on board. It arrived in Cape Town from Luanda in Angola en route to Port Kelang in Malaysia. CAPTION The 6 000-TEU ER Canada will be a regular caller at Cape Town. Photo: Damien Tethar