Liner Shipping Service: New York/New Jersey, Wilmington
New York/New Jersey: Simulation Confirms Port Can Handle ULCVs of up to 18,000 TEUs
A computer simulation has confirmed that both new classes of ultra large container vessels (ULCVs) – those handling 14,000 and 18,000 TEUs — can safely navigate the Port of New York and New Jersey. The critical components to facilitate such transits will be communication and coordination among the various port stakeholders, said port department officials of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The simulation was conducted in two phases during second half 2016 at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Linthicum Heights (MD). The port’s major stakeholders – specifically a partnership between the New Jersey Office of Maritime Resources, New York Shipping Association (NYSA), and the port’s three vessel pilot organizations — felt it was vital to conduct a full-mission ship simulation study to identify best practices for the safe and efficient handling of ULCV transits to the port’s major container terminals.
The simulation factored in the new controlling depth (50 feet) of the port’s major navigation channels as well as the new working height of the Bayonne Bridge once the port authority completes its "Raise the Roadway" Program in 2017.
The simulation established some important parameters for the handling of ULCVs at the Port of New York and New Jersey. For example, there will be limitations on which part of the tidal cycle these vessels can transit, as well as speed, visibility and maximum wind conditions.
Port department members will establish a working group to develop a set of procedures and protocols that all port constituents will be asked to concur with in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of all waterside activities.
A complete list of the simulation results and handling requirements can be reviewed by clicking here.
North Carolina Ports: Wilmington Adds Another Transatlantic Service
The 2M Alliance consisting of Mediterranean Shipping Company and Maersk Line is adding North Carolina’s Port of Wilmington to its TA2/NEUATL2 Europe-U.S. East Coast container service, effective April 2, 2017. The service operates with four vessels averaging 4.867 TEUs in capacity in a rotation that also includes Bremerhaven (Germany), Felixstowe (UK), Antwerp (Belgium), and Le Havre (France).
"An optimized transatlantic trade network allows us to align our services with North Carolina’s business needs," said Paul J. Cozza, executive director of the North Carolina State Ports Authority, "As we continue to invest in our facilities we’ll see even more activity at our Port of Wilmington, thus furthering our economic contribution to the state."
"This service opens up capacity for supplementary imports and exports from markets in Northern Europe," said Chief Commercial Officer, Greg Fennell. "To have the top two container carriers in the world come together and provide service options for us on the transatlantic and transpacific side is pretty special."
The 2M partners already deploy multiple strings into the Port of Wilmington. The TP10/Amberjack all-water Asia-U.S. East Coast container service began in early October of 2016. In addition, Maersk Line runs services via its Intra-Americas regional ocean carrier – SeaLand. The SeaLand Atlantico and revised SAE services provide access to Latin America for ports customers.