Cordero Joins Commemoration of First Neo-Panamax Vessel to Call Miami

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Mario Cordero joined local and state officials Saturday, July 9, in Miami to welcome the first “Neo-Panamax” container ship to transit the newly expanded Panama Canal and call southern Florida.

The “MOL Majesty” made her first call in the United States at PortMiami following a journey that originated in Asia and transited the Panama Canal on July 3-4. The first ship to officially sail through the expanded Canal was the MV COSCO Panama, which made that sailing on June 27.

“I was honored to be part of the official United States delegation that attended the ceremonies in Panama last month celebrating the opening of the newly built locks and the expanded Canal, and I am especially pleased to be at PortMiami to see one of the first ships calling the United States that was able to utilize the upgraded route,” commented Cordero.

The MOL Majesty made its final Asia call when it departed Tokyo on June 17. Following her stop in Miami, she will call Savannah, Jacksonville, Charleston, and Norfolk.

“The carrying capacity of container ships have been increasing in recent years as carriers seek greater efficiencies and cost savings,” said Cordero. “The ability for ships up to 14,000 TEU’s in capacity to use the Panama Canal increases options for shippers, and aids in assuring competition among not only shipping lines, but also ports.”

As noted above, the MOL Majesty was not the first vessel to sail through the expanded Panama Canal, nor was it the first Neo-Panamax ship to call the United States. It is, however, the first Neo-Panamax vessel to stop at PortMiami, one of the busiest container ports in the United States.

“The Panama Canal was an engineering marvel when it was first built and it has played an important role in moving ocean cargo ever since,” said Cordero. “The Government of Panama is to be commended for its commitment to keeping the Canal a relevant and critical trade lane.”

FMC Chairman Mario Cordero (L) joins Director of PortMiami Juan Kuryla (R) in welcoming MOL Majesty