Emma Maersk makes it maiden call at Jebel Ali Port

It is also the first time that a container vessel of this size transits the Arabian Gulf.

"We believe the call of Emma Maersk is a great opportunity to celebrate the success story of Dubai's merchant community. UAE is an important market for Maersk Line on par with other large markets such as India, which has a far greater population. We have been in this country since 1959 working closely with shippers, the government and the port to develop Dubai into a re-export hub", says Mr. Robert Uggla, Managing Director for Maersk UAE.

Emma Maersk and her seven sister vessels can each carry more than 11,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent). They are designed to offer the most environmentally friendly transportation solution available.

The call of Emma Maersk also highlights Dubai's role as a gateway to the Gulf, Indian subcontinent and Africa. Dubai is the largest transhipment and trading hub in West Central Asia and Jebel Ali port plays a key role in this development.

As the leading carrier in Middle East, Maersk Line continues to invest in new services connecting Dubai and the region to Africa and Europe. Most recently offering improved transit times to Europe and West Africa.

"These days we all face considerable challenges due to the economic crisis. However, Maersk Line remains committed to our customers and partners in Dubai and UAE. We see the long-term potential of UAE and the region, with many industrial and petrochemical projects on stream, and we have no doubt that Jebel Ali will continue to play an important role in our global network for many years to come," Mr. Robert Uggla concludes.

"Jebel Ali Port is proud to receive Emma Maersk on its maiden voyage. Her arrival shows how efficiently the port can handle ships of any capacity and size. DP World, UAE Region is constantly upgrading its facilities to meet our customers' needs and to maintain Dubai's status as the region's premier trading hub,"

said Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region.