The CMA CGM Group has deployed the largest vessel to ever call at the Port of Melbourne (PoMC).

With a nominal capacity of 10,926 TEU, the CMA CGM Estelle berthed at Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) in Webb Dock.

The ship operates on the North Europe Mediterranean Oceania (NEMO) service.

The previous record was held by the CMA CGM Ural, with a handling capacity of 10,622 TEU.

“VICT would like to congratulate the CMA CGM Group on their continued drive for efficiencies through deploying larger vessels with clear environmental benefits in the Oceania trades to support the demand of the economy and utilise the ability to increase economies of scale,” said Tim Vancampen, VICT CEO.

“In partnership with PoMC in the Webb Dock Development, we are committed to supporting the Victorian shipping industry with our $235 million investment that will increase our ability to accommodate increasing vessel sizes.”

READ: CMA CGM launches new US-South America new service

“It’s really exciting to see this vessel arrive at Port of Melbourne,” added Saul Cannon, PoMC CEO.

“We are investing across the port to ensure we can accommodate the larger vessels that are calling at Melbourne.”

“The global shipping fleet is deploying larger vessels. Port of Melbourne is well positioned to meet global shipping trends to serve the growing freight needs of Victoria and south-eastern Australia now and into the future.”

The Port of Melbourne reported strong volumes in August amid peak season.

August 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) up 9.5 per cent over August 2021 with a total of 284,487 TEU.