ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has upsized four container ships deployed on its weekly container service operated through the 2M Alliance, calling JAXPORT, replacing four smaller ships with two 11,700 TEU and two 11,923 TEU vessels.
According to JAXPORT, the four newly-built ships are the largest vessels ever to be included in a regular port rotation at the port of Jacksonville in Florida, US.
The recently completed 14.3-metre harbor deepening project provides the water draft needed for these larger vessels to call the port.
“The Florida Department of Transportation is proud of our strong partnership with JAXPORT which continues to make positive impacts on the supply chain and Florida’s communities,” commented Florida Department of Transportation secretary, Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
“We are thrilled that the recent investment in the harbor deepening project has so quickly created opportunities for larger vessels to serve the port, Florida, and the nation. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and his investments in these projects, FDOT continues our commitment to seaports and industry partners to support a robust supply chain, ensure economic prosperity, and remain a leader in transportation,” he added.
One of the new vessels, the 11,923 TEU ZIM USA, arrived at JAXPORT this week, tying the port record for the largest container ship ever to call Jacksonville. JAXPORT presented ZIM USA’s captain with a maiden voyage plaque commemorating the ship’s inaugural visit to Jacksonville.
“The foresight of our federal, state, and local partners to invest in our port provides the capabilities needed to accommodate these vessels,” commented JAXPORT CEO Eric Green.
The 2M’s Jacksonville service features a total of 11 ships that connect JAXPORT to Qingdao, Shanghai, and Ningbo in China, Busan in South Korea and Kingston in Jamaica.
