After years of planning, and billions of dollars expended on deepening channels, widening the Panama Canal, raising the Bayonne Bridge, expanding rail and road access, improving cranes, and training virtually all sectors of Port workers, the September 7, 2017 arrival of the CMA CGM THEODORE ROOSEVELT proved that NY/NJ is fully capable of handling the new generation of 14-18,000 TEU capacity Super Ultra Large Container Vessels (SULCV)!
On her maiden voyage into NY/NJ the vessel made the traditional turn at the Statue of Liberty for a great photo-op before proceeding to berth at the APMT berth 82. On her way into the Port the ROOSEVELT was escorted by a parade of boats carrying Port VIPs and stakeholders on board the Sandy Hook PILOT, the USACE HEYWARD, and the tug MARGARET MORAN, and was also greeted by the NYC Fireboat which displayed red/white/blue water displays.
The ROOSEVELT is the largest vessel to transit the newly widened Panama Canal, and will become a part of a regularly scheduled Asia/US East Coast service with NY/NJ as a premier Port.