CMA CGM’s grand experiment, deploying ultra large container vessels on the transpacific, has come to a quick end.
The French line deployed the 398 m long, 18,000 teu CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin from China to the west coast of the US in December to much fanfare, the ship becoming the largest ever to visit the US.
from China to the west coast of the US in December to much fanfare, the ship becoming the largest ever to visit the US.At the time senior management suggested a further five similarly-sized ships could join the Benjamin Franklin.
However, deteriorating market conditions have put paid to the supersized move, the giant ship never entered US waters at full capacity. Now, it will be redeployed to the Asia-Europe tradelane.
