The OOCL Iris makes history as the largest vessel to ever dock at the Port of Savannah.
The OOCL Iris has made history as the largest container ship to dock at the Port of Savannah, arriving on February 25, 2025. With a capacity of 16,828 TEUs, this impressive vessel surpasses the previous record-holder by over 800 containers. The ship’s arrival marks a significant milestone for Savannah’s shipping capabilities and will facilitate over 2,800 container moves, highlighting the port’s ability to handle large cargo operations. As Savannah plans to upgrade its infrastructure for even larger vessels, this event is a pivotal moment for the maritime industry.
In an exciting development for the bustling maritime hub of Savannah, the impressive OOCL Iris has just made history! On February 25, 2025, this behemoth of a container ship arrived at the Garden City Terminal, officially claiming the title of the largest capacity vessel to ever grace the Port of Savannah. Talk about making a splash!
So, what makes the OOCL Iris such a remarkable sight? Well, for starters, this colossal vessel boasts a maximum capacity of 16,828 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs). Just imagine 16,828 containers stacked high, ready to be loaded and unloaded! To give you a bit of perspective, the previous record-holder, the CMA CGM Marco Polo, had a capacity of 16,022 TEUs. That’s right – the OOCL Iris just sailed right past it!
But wait, there’s more! The OOCL Iris stretches an impressive 1,204 feet long and 167 feet wide. It’s truly a floating giant in every sense. And if you think that’s impressive, just wait until you hear that Savannah is set to perform over 2,800 container moves on and off this magnificent vessel. Most of those moves will involve 40-foot containers, which equate to just over 5,000 TEUs. This is no small feat, showcasing the Port of Savannah’s capability to handle enormous cargo operations like a pro!
The OOCL Iris isn’t just a headline-grabbing ship; it’s part of a much larger transformation in the shipping industry. This vessel was delivered in December 2024, marking it as the second in a series of ten similar vessels ordered by Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL). This is great news for shipping and logistics, as it highlights the continuous push toward larger and more efficient container sizes.
Additionally, the OOCL Iris is a particular milestone as it’s the first ship in this series delivered by China’s Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) shipyard. It signifies a growing partnership and emphasis on global shipping capabilities. This new addition to the fleet not only enhances freight transport but also positions Savannah as a go-to port for larger vessels in the future.
As the OOCL Iris prepares to depart from Savannah around midnight on February 26, 2025, the buzz doesn’t end there. Major plans are already underway for future improvements at the port. In 2026, work will commence on raising the height of the Talmadge Bridge, allowing for even larger vessels to navigate the waters safely and efficiently. This upgrade will ensure that Savannah stays competitive in the ever-evolving world of shipping.
The arrival of the OOCL Iris signals an exciting new chapter for Port of Savannah. With significant advancements underway, both the port and the shipping industry as a whole are gearing up for an even brighter future. Who knows what records will be broken next? For now, we can all celebrate this remarkable achievement and look forward to what’s in store for our beautiful Savannah!
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