
The arrival of the 15,072 teu capacity CMA CGM Brazil on 7th July this year was an important milestone, as it was the largest vessel yet to call at the port of Aqaba in Jordan. The deployment of a vessel of this size further underlines the commitment of the CMA CGM group and its local agent, Cedar Maritime Agencies to support the local market and the wider Levant.
Commenting on the landmark occasion, the CEO of the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT), Steven Yoogalingam, said, “The large investments made by ACT over the years have allowed the terminal to receive and operate vessels that are among the largest in the world. The arrival of CMA CGM Brazil to the port is a momentous occasion for Aqaba as it reaffirms its position as the preferred gateway into the Levant region. CMA CGM is one of the largest shipping lines to capitalise on the opportunity of using Aqaba as a competitive gateway to Iraq and their volume growth in Aqaba this year is nothing short of impressive.”
The volume of containers discharged at ACT for Iraq have grown this year by a staggering 380% compared to last year. Hala Armoush, general manager of Cedar Maritime Agencies, stated, “ACT is perfectly situated to open-up trade into the Levant region. The maiden call of CMA CGM Brazil is testament of CMA CGM’s commitment to giving the people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan the widest access to its regional and global markets.”