The following is an excerpt of a Media release by Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply The Honourable Mark Bailey on Saturday, October 21, 2017:
Main Roads Road Safety and Ports Minister, Mark Baily said the arrival of the 347metre Susan Maersk was clear demonstration of the port’s capabilities in handling an increasing number of large vessels operating in the region.
“The visit of the Susan Maersk is only made possible thanks to extensive studies that have taken place over the last two years, to optimise the port’s channels to accommodate this class of vessel,†Mr Bailey said.
“The vessel’s movements have already been thoroughly rehearsed in our world-class ship simulator Smartship by both Maritime Safety Queensland and Brisbane Marine Pilots and our vessel traffic service operators have the technology to closely monitor its every movement from entry to the shipping channel through to docking.
“Fortunately everyone has had prior experience in operations of this scale thanks to the first visit of a mega-container ship which visited Brisbane less than 12 months ago.Â
“These larger ships are taking a leading role in servicing key trade routes and the State is well positioned to take advantage of the efficiencies these vessels offer.â€
Member for Lytton Joan Pease said in November last year the Port of Brisbane marked a milestone event with the arrival the containership Lloyd Don Carlos.
“At 334 metres in length it was slightly shorter than our latest visitor which will now takes the title of longest container vessel,†she said.
“More importantly there will be further visits from vessels on this scale which can only enhance the Port of Brisbane’s international reputation and place it in a highly competitive position in the global trade market.”
The Susan Maersk docked alongside Fisherman Island wharf number 9 on Saturday.
