The MSC Altair, capable of carrying 12,000 containers, is currently docked in Long Beach and will head next to Oakland. The Press-Telegram sys that 'The growing trend of ships carrying as many as 11,000 to 13,000 containers bodes well for the Port of Long Beach, one of the few ports that can accommodate these mega ships.' Photo by Stephen Call/Press-Telegram.
More than two-tenths of a mile long and more than half a football field wide, the Mediterranean Shipping Co.’s vessel, the Altair, made its way from China’s Port of Yantian into Long Beach before the sun rose Thursday.
It’s the second time a container ship as large as the Altair had ever called to North America. The first one, the MSC Fabiola – about the same size as the Altair – was lauded when it first came to Long Beach in March.