SIMIC

The 4,253-TEU Xiamen is part of a transpacific/panama service named the TP20 that includes up to 13 vessels. It's the first direct ocean service to Southeast Asia for the Port of Baltimore.

"The arrival of the first ship in the new Maersk service is a milestone for Baltimore, and another example of our growing international reputation for stellar service and outstanding access to markets across America," said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater.

"The Port is continuing to show the power of its workforce and its infrastructure to fuel Maryland's economy."

Said Maryland Port Administration (MPA) executive director William Doyle: "We welcome the Xiamen, the first ship in the new Maersk TP20 service to the Port of Baltimore,"

"This new ocean service is helping us prime the pump in advance of the Howard Street Tunnel project's double-stack rail to the Midwest. In addition, it allows ocean carriers, non-vessel operating common carriers, and freight forwarders to market the Baltimore region's e-commerce centres to Southeast Asia manufacturers.

This is also a result of the great public-private partnership that we have with Ports America Chesapeake - capitalising on the substantial investments made over the past several years." said Mr Doyle.

The service reflects a need for more cargo gateways in the United States, as port congestion is at an all-time high.