CMA CGM has deployed the largest containerships to call in Japan on a regular basis on a service connecting to Central American ports.

The 15,000 teu CMA CGM Argentina called the Port of Yokohama, Japan on Sunday the first of two such vessels deployed on the Asia Central South America 1 service. According to CMA CGM the 15,000 teu vessels are the largest to call a port in Japan on a regular basis.

“The introduction of the larger vessels on the ACSA1 service will not only accommodate more Yokohama-bound fresh produce on a single voyage, they are part of our plans to grow inbound cargoes from Central and Southern America ahead. Importantly, they equip us with more capabilities to further facilitate trade flows between Latin America and Asia,” said Hideki Uchida, President of CMA CGM Japan.

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The vessels call at the Honmoku D4 terminal, which has a capacity of 550,000 teu annually and is operated by CMA CGM. The terminal accounts for around 15% of container volumes at the Port of Yokohama.

 Shinya Hitomi, President & CEO, Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) said: “YKIP will continue to improve its equipment and facilities to ensure that shipping lines are satisfied whenever their vessels call at the Port of Yokohama. Looking ahead, YKIP is currently proceeding with development works of the Honmoku Futo D5 container terminal.”