UK debut on the Thames for world's biggest container ship

Greener vessels support maritime contribution to sustainable economic recovery

As the capital prepares for its hottest day of the year, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has issued a reminder not to underestimate the powers of the tidal River Thames.

Mark Towens, PLA harbour master, said: “With temperatures rising, the river is understandably particularly attractive, but our advice to anyone drawn to its waters is: only go afloat if you are an experienced river user and properly prepared.”

The PLA hasThe world’s biggest container ship, HMM Algeciras, has docked at DP World London Gateway port in Essex at the end of her maiden voyage to the UK.

At 400 metres, HMM Algeciras is longer than The Shard is tall and 61 metres wide.

Her arrival on the Thames (14 June) concluded a long journey from China, via South Korea, The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

She joins the 3,500 other vessels that have called at terminals on the tidal Thames since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced, keeping the country stocked with essential food, fuel and medicines. She will leave on 15 June, carrying British exports on her return journey home, via Singapore.

Investment by DP World in the new container handling facility at London Gateway has paved the way for large vessels like HMM Algeciras to call on the Thames, on the doorstep of the UK’s largest consumer market. London Gateway is also home to one of Europe’s largest logistics parks.

Ernst Schulze, CEO, DP World UK, said: “The visit by HMM Algeciras is testament to the capabilities we offer, not just at London Gateway, but at DP World Southampton too, where her sister ship, HMM Oslo, is due to call later this month.

“DP World is an enabler of global trade. Sustained investment and innovation mean that we offer customers like HMM world-class and resilient performance. That performance and the commitment of our dedicated teams has been critical as we’ve kept operating throughout lockdown. It sets us up well to play a key role in supporting a long-term green recovery too.”

Peter Livey, Managing Director (Gt. Britain) for HMM, commented: “The maiden voyage of the HMM Algeciras in Europe is a major milestone for HMM. These Megamax-24 ships are ground-breaking, not just in their size, but in world leading environmental performance too. Their optimised hull design and highly energy-efficient engines make a significant leap forward in reducing CO2 and other emissions. It’s all part of our long-term goal to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions across our container fleet by 2050.

“Just as importantly, ships of this size give us the capacity and flexibility to get our customers’ goods to the right place at the right time. Working across Gateway and Southampton, we have great coverage of the UK market and service teams ready to match cargoes and slots to customers’ needs.”

Robin Mortimer, Chief Executive of the Port of London Authority, said:

“The Thames is a crucial part of national supply chains. The arrival of HMM Algeciras underlines how investment by shipping lines and terminal operators creates a compelling offer to customers. Fundamentals like this, allied to a commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions, are key to building a long-term, sustainable recovery. I’m proud that the port has operated uninterrupted throughout lockdown; our focus now is supporting recovery.”

The PLA has been working with DP World and HMM Europe planning for HMM Algeciras’ arrival for over six months. Its team has modelled the vessel’s arrival and departure in a ship simulator and surveyed the seabed en route to the port in advance. Two PLA pilots guided the vessel into port, London Port Control coordinated river traffic and a harbour launch was on standby as the ship went alongside. expressed concern at recent incidents of people taking to the water in inflatable craft, without proper safety equipment. With the heatwave set to make the river appear a great place to find some respite, it has issued an urgent call for people who are inadequately equipped or inexperienced not to venture onto the river.

The PLA’s dedicated website Boating on the Thames includes full details on how the river can be enjoyed safely for recreation.

“Flowing at the speed of an Olympic swimmer, the force of the river can take the inexperienced by surprise,” explains Mark Towens, highlighting the risks the river poses. “With a daily tidal rise and fall of seven metres, even the strongest athlete can find it challenging to keep their head above water, if they end up in the river.”

Hazards the PLA has highlighted include:

• Cold water shock on entering the river, which can send the heart into seizure;
• The river being a busy transport artery for vessels with limited scope to act if they see someone in the river;
• The muddy banks of the foreshore, putting people trying to leave the river at risk of being stranded.

Mark Towens concludes by highlighting the risks of mixing alcohol and the river:

“Alcohol and the river do not mix. We urge everyone enjoying a summer drink to stay away from the water’s edge. And just like the roads, never try to navigate a vessel under the influence of alcohol.”

Any member of the public who spots someone in trouble in the river should always call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard, rather than attempt a rescue themselves.