The container ship Ever Atop, operated by the Evergreen Line, set a new benchmark by becoming the deepest ever Megamax vessel to enter UK waters.
Arriving at the Suffolk port in early July with 24,000 containers, the 236,228gt vessel has a draught of 16.85m. Megamax vessels are some of the largest in the world, typically capable of carrying more than 20,000 containers, making this arrival a significant event in Britain’s maritime industry.
Will Barker, marine director for the Harwich Haven Authority, expressed pride in his team’s accomplishment, stating:
“I’m very proud of our amazing team who put a huge amount of work into planning, coordinating and delivering this significant maritime achievement.”
He emphasized that welcoming a vessel of such scale and depth showcases the exceptional infrastructure and expertise available at Harwich Haven.
“We’re proud to play our part in enabling global trade by ensuring the safe, efficient arrival of the world’s largest ships, even at their deepest,” he added.
The previous record was held by the Megamax vessel OOCL Spain, which visited the same port in February 2024.
The arrival of Ever Atop not only breaks that record but also reinforces the UK’s strategic capability to accommodate ultra-large container ships, which are vital to international trade routes.
Photo by Vincent de Koning/shipspotting.com
