The 17,200 TEU Bangkok Maersk has completed its first transit through the Suez Canal while sailing from Italy to Singapore.
The container ship joined the canal’s northbound convoy, according to the Suez Canal Authority.
Bangkok Maersk has a tonnage of 190,000 tonnes. The vessel measures 350 metres long and 56 metres wide.
It also features a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on green methanol. The vessel currently operates on Maersk’s AE7 service, connecting major Asian ports with North European and Mediterranean ports.
Suez Canal welcomes Bangkok Maersk
Following the Suez Canal Authority’s protocol for first-time transits, Chairman and Managing Director Ossama Rabiee appointed two pilots to board the vessel.
Captains Hesham Helmy and Galal Shabaka welcomed the crew and presented a commemorative gift to the vessel’s master.
Rabiee said the Suez Canal had brought back several maritime services operating between Europe and Asia. He added that this reflected the waterway’s strategic role in connecting East and West.
The authority has also recorded an increase in daily transits by Maersk-affiliated container ships.
Mathilde Maersk led traffic through the canal during the same day with a tonnage of 200,000 tonnes. Bangkok Maersk followed, bringing the number of Maersk-affiliated vessels in the northern convoy to two.
Suez route saves voyage time
“Choosing the Suez Canal instead of sailing around Africa saves approximately 14 days,” said Capt. Pata Radu, Master of Bangkok Maersk.
He said the shorter route reduces voyage time and costs while supporting customers’ interests.
Radu also highlighted the Suez Canal Authority’s waterway development work. He pointed to the New Suez Canal project and the recently completed southern sector development project.
The shipmaster also praised the canal pilots for their cooperation and support during the vessel’s transit.
The Suez Canal handled 57 vessels during the day, with total net tonnage reaching 2.8 million tonnes.