Khorfakkan Port, part of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, recently welcomed the giant container vessel MSC MARIELLA, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
With a capacity of 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the vessel ranks among the world’s largest container ships, marking another milestone that reflects the port’s advanced capabilities and strategic position in the global trade and maritime transport landscape.
MSC MARIELLA belongs to the ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) class. Measuring approximately 400m in length and more than 61m in width, its carrying capacity places it among a select group of the largest container ships currently in operation worldwide.
Growing prominence
The arrival of the mega vessel reflects Khorfakkan Port’s growing prominence within the global trade and maritime transport ecosystem. This position is the result of the development vision of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which has placed strategic emphasis on Khorfakkan and the Eastern Region through the development of infrastructure and economic, commercial and logistics facilities.
Khorfakkan Port enjoys a strategic location on the UAE’s eastern coast, with direct access to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean and close proximity to major international shipping routes. This provides the port with a competitive advantage in serving trade flows connecting Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the Arabian Gulf, East Africa and global markets.
Gulftainer, the UAE company specialising in port, terminal and logistics operations, operates the container terminal at Khorfakkan Port. Its integrated operating model combines specialist expertise, advanced infrastructure and modern equipment, supporting the terminal’s ability to receive and handle ultra-large vessels with high levels of efficiency.
Extensive storage and handling yards
The container terminal at Khorfakkan Port comprises six berths with a combined length of approximately 1,880m and a draught of up to 16m. It is equipped with 18 advanced ship-to-shore container cranes, alongside extensive storage and handling yards.
Development plans aim to increase the terminal’s annual handling capacity to approximately 5mn TEUs, further strengthening its operational capabilities as vessel sizes and maritime trade volumes continue to grow.
The terminal operates around the clock, providing an integrated range of services covering container handling, storage, customs clearance, road transport and the handling of refrigerated containers, in addition to technical and support services.
Together, these capabilities help accelerate cargo flows, enhance operational efficiency and reduce shipment transit times across supply chains.
