Malta Freeport today welcomed CMA CGM's flagship vessel, the Christophe Colomb, which is on its maiden voyage linking Asia to Europe.

The Christophe Colomb, which berthed at the North Quay of Terminal Two is the largest vessel ever to call at the Freeport. It is also one of the world's largest containerships having an overall length of 365.50 metres, a beam of 51.2 metres and a draught of 15.5 metres. It can carry 13,344TEUs (containers).

Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Company of South Korea, in line with CMA CGM Group's commitment to the environment and sustainable development, Christophe Colomb was designed for maximum fuel efficiency with electronically controlled engines. It is the first vessel of the group equipped with a Pre- Swirl Stator. This ingenious new device, together with the twisted leadership-edge rudder, maximises propulsion efficiency and optimises the vessel's hydrodynamics to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 2 to 4%.

The vessel distinguishes itself by the position of its superstructure located in the front of the vessel to maximise load capacity. Moreover, as a result of its new engine, the vessel can be operated at super eco-speed of 14 to 15 knots.

Alex Montebello, Director Sales, Marketing, IT and Operations said Malta Freeport had invested heavily in order to have the right infrastructure and quayside cranes to efficiently handle vessels such as this, thus giving the company a competitive edge over its competitors within the Mediterranean region.