Maersk Line has welcomed its new vessel, MV Maersk Tema, on its maiden voyage to the Tema Port.

Named after the country’s main Industrial City, Tema, MV Maersk Tema is a WAFMAX (West Africa Maximum) class vessel with a capacity of 4,700 teus.

The 51,000 ton vessel, with a length of 255metres, is currently one of the biggest vessels to call the Tema Port.

WAFMAX vessels are purposely built to call African ports and to connect Africa to the rest of the world.

The vessel is expected to serve the biggest trade lane into Ghana, Far East – West Africa.

“Currently this vessel is deployed on the Far East - West Africa trade in recognition of the volume of ocean traffic that exists along the corridor,” said Naved Zafar, Managing Director, Maersk Line Ghana, during the launch of the vessel.

“There is a saying that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’ so we are optimistic that our customers will support us deliver the volume required to make this investment sustainable.”

The MV Maersk Tema, according to Mr Zafar, was named after the country’s premier port city primarily due to the significant and important role Tema plays in Ghana.

Tema, which was once a small fishing village, has since independence metamorphosed to become the industrial and logistical hub of the country.

The “Harbour Town” as it is popularly referred to, is home to several light and heavy industries which include oil refinery, agro/food processing, steel works, aluminium smelting and fishing.

This is the second time Maersk Line has named a vessel after a Ghanaian city. The first was in 2011, when MV Maersk Cape Coast was christened after the famous and historical Ghanaian city.

Maersk Line is the leading shipping line in Ghana with more than 20 years of experience. The Line’s global network has more than 500 ships, 46,000 ports of call and representation in more than 125 countries.

The carrier currently operates two fixed weekly services into and out of Tema from the Far East, Middle East, Europe, Africa and the America’s. The carrier also has a fortnightly service into and out of Takoradi.

Maersk Line has the widest coverage in the market with offices in Tema, Takoradi and Kumasi. The Line’s goal is to help Ghanaian business grow by exploiting the opportunities global trade has to offer.

The gesture is to show the carrier’s long term commitment and to facilitate the economic growth and development of the country through global trade.