The 20.000 TEU, and now the 24.000 TEU vessels, cascaded the 15.000 TEU vessels to other services which prompted a large reaction from the ports who had not previously seen such sizes. North America and South America have invested a lot in equipment and harbour access upscaling to be able to accommodate this class, since they can also pass the Panama Canal now.
Brgds, Michael

Thanks for your comments, Hannes and Michael. I never knew that South American ports were so close to accepting these big babies...

Cheers

Vlad

Nice one Vlad.

Cheers
Hannes.

Santos pilots were testing 366 m vessels but until now no permission has been granted.
Paranagua is on the verge, just the shallows in front of the berth to be removed.
Itapoa is ready for 15.000+ vessels with night restrictions.
Anything further south is currently out of the question, we're already pushing the envelope with the Cap Sans in B'Aires.
Brgds, Michael

Some years ago, there was a term "SAmMax", for vessels just large enough to squeeze into South American ports; I think Maersk Lota class was the type, with her 8000+ TEU. This one looks a bit larger, though, with her 15.000 TEU capacity...

Cheers

Vlad

Thanks Vlad, I wonder if it will ever come to Brazil.
Cheers,
Roy