DP World Australia’s West Swanson terminal has serviced two record-breaking vessels in one week.

The first was the COSCO-operated 8888-TEU OOCL Canada on Saturday 20 February. Measuring 335 metres long, 42.9 metres wide, and with a displacement of 120,000 tonnes, the OOCL Canada was the largest and heaviest to ever berth at the West Swanson Terminal, beating the previous TEU record of 8084 achieved by the servicing of the Conti Courage.

OOCL Canada was swiftly bested in size six days later with the arrival of the ANL-operated CMA CGM Loire.

Despite being 35 metres shorter than OOCL Canada, the 300-metre long CMA CGM Loire clocks 9200 TEU.

DP World Australia chief operating officer Andrew Adam said, “The berthing of large vessels like the CMA CGM Loire and OOCL Canada is a clear representation of DP World West Swanson’s ability to service large vessels.

“DP World Melbourne, like all of DP World Australia’s terminals, are equipped to lead the future of Australia’s maritime trade. We’re proud of our role in enabling Australia’s trade flow.”

DPWA general manager of operations Sean Jeffries said the berthing of the two vessels was a great achievement for the DPWA Melbourne team.

“Despite the challenges that we have faced in Victoria during the COVID pandemic, our frontline DP World Melbourne team have weathered the crisis and continued to serve the industry and community daily,” Mr Jeffries said.

“I’d also like to thank the highly engaged and skilled marine professionals and support personnel who help plan and guide these ships into our terminal at West Swanson Dock.”

ANL-operated CMA CGM Loire connects South East Asia and Australia, calling Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as part of its voyage.

OOCL Canada called at DP World Melbourne’s West Swanson terminal on Friday 19 February as part of the A3 Northern Loop, after embarking on its voyage from Shanghai via Australia’s east coast.