On 8 July 2022, the world’s largest container vessel “EVER ALOT”, designed by and manufactured in China, called at YANTIAN on her maiden voyage. “EVER ALOT” is a 24,004-TEU container vessel built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, for Evergreen Marine. This "giant of the sea" made its maiden voyage to YANTIAN, which is its last port of call in China, signifying a recognition from the industry for YANTIAN’s capacities and capabilities for serving mega-vessels on top of its advantageous port conditions.

63 meters longer than the world's largest aircraft carrier

As the world's largest container vessel, “EVER ALOT” is independently designed and manufactured by Hudong-Zhonghua. Since its delivery in June, “EVER ALOT” has been deployed on trade routes between the Far East and Europe along with six other ultra-large container vessels. With a length of 399.99 meters and a carrying capacity of 24,004 TEU, the vessel set a new world record. It is 63 meters longer than the world's largest aircraft carrier. The depth of its cargo hold is 33.2 meters, and the deck area is 24,000 square meters, equivalent to 3.5 standard soccer fields. It can carry 240,000 tons of cargo with a maximum of 25 layers, which is equal to the height of 22 floors.

It demonstrates a great breakthrough in Chinese ship technology and is a new milestone for the shipbuilding industry in China.

Deep-water port conditions and outstanding operational capabilities attract mega-vessels from around the world

As the largest container vessel in the world, “EVER ALOT” has very high standards when it comes to handling capacity, operational efficiency, and water depth of the port of call. In addition, it will sail from YANTIAN to Europe with a deeper draft after being fully loaded, which places more requirements on the port's facilities and capabilities.

Endowed with advantageous natural conditions, YANTIAN boasts the unique channel of 18 meters deep and 475 meters wide in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), allowing two-way navigation for 200,000-ton vessels. Coupled with 20 deep-water container berths and state-of-the-arts facilities, it is capable of handling multiple vessels at the same time. Its terminal projects have won six national engineering awards, including three Luban Prizes, two Tien-Yow Jeme Prizes and one National Quality Engineering Award. Not only do 100% of the ultra-large container vessels visiting GBA call at YANTIAN, it is also the last port of call of European, U.S., and Intra-Asian services of various carriers.

In view of the large vessel size, large tonnage, and high operation efficiency of “EVER ALOT”, YANTIAN's operation team made a detailed and holistic operation plan in advance and cooperated with all parties involved to provide a favourable environment for safe and efficient operation. In the loading and unloading operation of “EVER ALOT”, YANTIAN utilises the award-winning Multi-Vessel Optimisation system to optimise the operation plan for quay cranes serving multiple vessels simultaneously, so as to deliver high operational efficiency.

The representative of Evergreen Shenzhen said, "Evergreen Marine and YANTIAN are long-term partners. YANTIAN is able to provide premium and efficient services against the backdrop of the pandemic. We are confident at its capacities and capabilities in operating super large container vessels".

Newly upgraded berths can accommodate six 200,000-ton mega- vessels simultaneously

As a world-class hub port and one of the world's busiest container terminals, YANTIAN, with the recently completed berth upgrade, can now accommodate six 200,000-ton mega container vessels at the same time. This will become a new norm and a common occurrence at the quay side of YANTIAN.

Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports YANTIAN, said that YANTIAN would continue to upgrade its facilities, and improve operation efficiency. With the strong support of governments at all levels and port supervisory authorities, and thanks to the concerted effort of our team, YANTIAN is able to handle one container every two seconds, contributing to Shenzhen's international trade development and the economic take-off of Guangdong and even South China. We will keep working with our stakeholders to empower the maritime economy in Shenzhen, facilitating the smooth operation of supply chain and industrial chain in the Greater Bay Area, and making due contributions to the high-quality development of international trade in China.