The size and scale of transport by sea has continued to grow at a rapidly increasing rate. As such, the title of ‘biggest cargo ship’ has been passed around quite frequently over the years.

In 2017, that title was bestowed upon the OOCL Hong Kong.

With a DWT (deadweight tonnage) of 191 317 metric tons, the OOCL Hong Kong has a cargo capacity of 21 413 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent units) – or ‘containers’ as they’re more commonly known. Until recently, it had no competition.

Enter the MSC Gülsün.

This beast of a ship is 400 metres long, with a cargo capacity of 23 576 TEUs.

It’s hard to conceptualise the sheer size of this thing, so here’s The Telegraph with some interesting facts and infographics:

According to owner MSC Mediterranean Shipping, that means the ship can transport 8.35m microwave ovens, 223m bananas or 386m pairs of shoes in a single load.

To carry the equivalent cargo load by road would require 14,000 lorries or 1,350 Jumbo jets.

And, more:

Yep. If you stand it upright, it is taller than the Empire State Building.

The Geneva-based company has ordered a further 10 ships of the same size, all of which will be built in South Korea by divisions of Samsung and Daewoo.

As well as cutting transport costs for MSC, Gülsün’s size also helps lower the shipping line’s carbon footprint, with larger ships emitting less CO2 for each TEU transported. Its advanced design also means lower fuel consumption due to less water and wind resistance.

New maritime regulations require ships to emit less pollution, and MSC Gülsün is fitted with “scrubbers” that clean its exhaust fumes which is very cool.

Watch it in action as it arrives at the Port of Rotterdam:

Bet you didn’t expect that video to have some techno-type music with it.

Those whose businesses use international shipping know that it’s something of an art form, and when faced with the myriad factors that need to be considered, one could be forgiven for wanting to lie down and wish it all away.

I’m talking route optimisation, currency cover, tariff determination, customs regulations, packaging requirements, marine insurance and so on.

You know, the fun stuff.

Berry & Donaldson, one of South Africa’s largest private-owned logistics companies, has been helping our importers and exporters navigate the labyrinth that is international freighting for over half a century.

Be it air freight or sea freight, full containers or part-containers, breakbulk or perishable cargo, for your importing and exporting needs, they’ve got you covered.

They may not be using the MSC Gülsün any time soon, but your goods get where they need to be.

[source:telegraph]