Watch: Maersk Elba Becomes Largest Vessel To Call In Israel Port

Maersk’s 13,092 TEU-containership, Maersk Elba, has become the largest ship ever to dock in an Israel port after it arrived at Haifa Port this week.

The vessel’s entry to the Haifa Port’s Carmel Terminal on Thursday, marking a significant step for the Israeli port, was part of the weekly service line operated by the 2M Alliance of Maersk and MSC.

The 2M Alliance’s service line connects the ports of South Korea, China and Singapore before arriving at the Haifa Port, and then continues further to the Adriatic ports.

Inaugurated in 2010, the Carmel Terminal is most advanced terminal in Isreal and features the capacity to grow to 1 million teu per year.
Equipped with six super post Panamax cranes, the Carmel Terminal is capable of accommodating largest containerships and the port is also planning to receive the 18,000+ teu ships such as Triple-E’s.

Attracting ships like Maersk Elba, the port was recently equipped with five new cranes, including two STS cranes, officials said.

Haifa Port CEO Mendi Zaltzman said that these massive ships are being serviced at a dock that was originally built to receive vessels of up to only 6,000 TEU. The port is ready to deliver this outstanding level of service to these vessels that decide to enjoy Haifa Port’s services, Zaltzman added.

Recently, Israeli Transport Minister Israel Katz had unveiled the new cranes, and the water in the area was also deepened last month to allow the vessels to reach their maximum draft.

Reports say that the Haifa Port will remain the only Israeli port suitable for 14,000 TEU ships for few more years; however, the vessels with over 18,000 TEU will not be able to call in Israel during this time.

Reference: marinetraffic

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