[170515.EN.SEA] British-flagged 17,554-TEU CMA CGM Kerguelen Named in top French Port

FRENCH shipping giant CMA CGM, the world's third biggest container carrier, has chosen HAROPA - the French Port of Le Havre to christen its new British-flagged 17,554-TEU Kerguelen.

"A choice which proves the confidence that the major world shipowners have placed in the professionalism of HAROPA, the leading container port for the external trade of France," said the port authority release.

As the largest container port for the external trade of France, HAROPA enjoys recognised expertise by shipping companies and main alliances," it said.

The container traffic, rising by two per cent in 2014, is in the heart of the strategic project of HAROPA, whose target is to reach 4.8 million TEU by 2020.

Its port facilities, Port 2000 in Le Havre make it one of the few ports of the northern range with Rotterdam to be able to accommodate the largest containerships fully laden and 24/7, the port said.

Under the British flag, the Kerguelen of CMA CGM sailed from Asia on May 10, and was christened in Le Havre on May 12 in the presence of Jacques Saade, incorporator and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, and Agnes Canayer, Senator and deputy Mayor of Le Havre, and Herve Martel, executive director of the Port of Le Havre.

Source : HKSG.