Maersk's MV Maersk Edmonton Makes Inaugural Visit to Sri Lanka's East Container Terminal

The container ship MV Maersk Edmonton, operated by Maersk Line, made its debut visit to the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on April 5, 2024. The vessel's arrival marks the launch of Maersk's new West Africa Xpress Service (WAX Service) at the Port of Colombo.

The MV Maersk Edmonton's call at the ECT follows discussions between top SLPA management, led by Chairman Keith D. Bernard, and representatives from Maersk Lines and CMA CGM in Dubai. These meetings focused on strategies to draw more ships to the Port of Colombo, with the joint effort between Maersk and its local agents, CMA CGM Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., contributing significantly to the successful deployment of the WAX Service to Colombo.

Constructed in 2011 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. of South Korea, the MV Maersk Edmonton boasts a capacity of 13,100 TEU and currently sails under the Danish flag. The vessel, with a gross tonnage of 141,716 tons, is one of eight boxships contributed by Maersk Line to the WAX Service, complementing the 13 vessels deployed by CMA CGM.

Why this matters: The inaugural visit of the MV Maersk Edmonton to the ECT signifies the strengthening of Sri Lanka's position as a regional maritime hub. The launch of the new WAX Service is expected to boost connectivity and trade between Sri Lanka and West Africa, opening up new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Speaking about the milestone event, a senior SLPA official stated, "The arrival of the MV Maersk Edmonton at the ECT is a testament to the successful collaboration between SLPA, Maersk Lines, and CMA CGM. We are confident that this new service will bolster Sri Lanka's maritime capabilities and contribute to the country's economic progress."

Key Takeaways

• Maersk Edmonton's debut at Sri Lanka's ECT launches Maersk's new WAX service to West Africa.
• Meetings between SLPA, Maersk, and CMA CGM aimed to attract more ships to Colombo port.
• Maersk Edmonton is a 13,100 TEU container ship built in 2011 by Hyundai Heavy Industries.
• The new WAX service is expected to boost Sri Lanka's maritime capabilities and economic growth.
• SLPA officials see the arrival as a testament to successful collaboration between stakeholders.