By Paris Tsirigotis

 

The movement of containers from the port of Piraeus began in March 2023, as cargo traffic is steadily increasing globally following the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions in China.

 

According to data published by Cosco Shipping Ports, in March 2023 a total of 405.6 thousand containers were handled from Piers II and III of the Piraeus Container Station compared to 362 thousand containers in the same month of 2022, an increase of 12.1%.

 

On a year-on-year basis (March 2022-March 2023) the handling of containers shows a decrease of 4.3%. On a twelve-month basis in March 2023, a total of 1.051 million containers were traded against 1.098 million in the same period of 2022.

 

The total container handling in March 2023 in the 35 ports controlled by Cosco Shipping Ports, a member of the Cosco Shipping Group, excluding subsidiaries, increased by 0.6% compared to March 2022, with the trend becoming positive and showing general recovery.

 

In particular, in March 2023, 8,642.5 million TEUs were traded in China and the rest of the world, compared to 8,592.4 million TEUs in March 2022.

 

On a year-on-year basis (March 2022-March 2023) CSPL recorded a 4% decrease in the total handling of containers in the 35 ports excluding subsidiaries.

 

A total of 23.4 million TEUs were handled in March 2023 compared to 24.3 million TEUs in March 2022.

 

 

The port of Piraeus welcomed on its maiden voyage of OOCL SPAIN - one of the largest container ships (mega vessels) worldwide and the first of its size to approach the station's facilities, which will now be regularly included in its itineraries.

 

"OOCL SPAIN" - owned by Orient Overseas Container Line Europe, a member of the Cosco Shipping Group - was launched in March this year on a circular route that connects Asia with Europe.

 

On its maiden voyage of 84 days, OOCL SPAIN calls at 13 different ports, from China and Southeast Asia to Northwest Europe.

 

The choice of Piraeus as an intermediate transfer station is primarily attributed to the high level of services provided by SEP S.A. in terms of the speed of service of vessels and cargo in transit, the technological superiority of the services offered, as well as the strategic location of Piraeus, which makes it a key hub in maritime freight flows to and from Southeast Asia, but also in many other parts of the world.

 

With a length of 399.9 meters and a width of 61.3 meters, the "OOCL SPAIN", built in 2023, has a cargo capacity of 24,188 TEUs.