Megaship Berths in California Ports

The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Oakland berthed the largest cargo ship to ever visit the United States on December 26 and December 31, respectively, the Maritime Executive reported.

The vessel—CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin—symbolically opened the Trans-Pacific trade route between Asia and the U.S.

The ship, built in 2015 for $151 million, is 1,305 feet long and 177 feet wide. Its can carry 18,000 containers.Until this vessel arrived, megaships carrying 18,000 containers or more have been used exclusively in Asia-Europe trade lanes, the Maritime Executive reported.

Now that the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has proven workable in California, other megaships will likely follow. They're the most cost-effective, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vessels afloat, a spokesperson for the Port of Oakland told the publication. S