On 16 July 2005, YICT welcomed "Gudrun Maersk", the world's largest and longest state-of-the-art vessel. With a length of 366.9 metres, the vessel is about 30 metres longer than the world’s largest Nimitz Class aircraft carrier. The successful berthing of such a huge vessel at Yantian not only proved YICT's ability of handling mega vessels, but also made a record for the ports of China.
"Gudrun Maersk" is 42.8 metres wide, with a draft of 15 metres and a shipping capacity of 115,000 tons. Its deck alone covers an area that is almost equal to two football pitches. Launched in Aarhus, Denmark on 9 June, "Gudren Maersk" was immediately deployed on a European/Asian service. Yantian is the only port of call in China.
"Gudrun Maersk" was christened after Princess Mary of Denmark. Equipped with a leading-edge guidance, engine and safety system, only 20 or so crew members are needed to operate such a jumbo. With a maximum speed of 25.5 knots, it takes just 23 days for the mega vessel to travel from Yantian to Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe.
The shipping industry has forecast that 150 mega vessels will be rolled out in the next three years. "Gudrun Maersk" marks a milestone in the development of international mega vessels.
Mega vessels, such as "Gudrun Maersk", have higher requirements on terminal facilities, operational efficiency and Customs declaration efficiency at berthing ports of call. In terms of berths, water depth and advanced operational systems, YICT constructed the Phase III Project in line with such requirements. All the four new berths are equipped with the world's state-of-the-art quay cranes.
YICT received 110 mega vessel calls last year. Yantian has become a preferred port of call for mega vessels in southern China.