Manama, Feb. 25 (BNA): The ultra-large container vessel MSC MARIELLA, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company, has arrived at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, marking the largest container ship ever to enter the territorial waters of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Bader Hood Al Mahmood, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications for Ports and Maritime Affairs, affirmed that the vessel’s arrival represents a significant milestone in the continued development of Bahrain’s maritime and logistics sector. He noted that it reflects the growing confidence of leading global shipping lines in the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure, operational efficiency, and readiness to accommodate the latest generation of ultra-large container vessels.

He added that attracting vessels of this scale further consolidates Bahrain’s standing as a leading regional logistics hub linking Asia and the Middle East. The move supports the expansion of direct trade flows with key international markets, in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and enhances the national economy’s competitiveness at both regional and global levels.

Commemorative shields were exchanged to mark the occasion, underscoring the significance of this milestone in the advancement of Bahrain’s maritime sector and reaffirming the prominent position of Khalifa Bin Salman Port on the global shipping map.

The arrival of MSC MARIELLA forms part of the "CLANGA" service, which provides direct connectivity between the Kingdom of Bahrain and major global markets. The service enhances supply chain efficiency, reduces transit times, supports import and export activities, and offers an additional competitive advantage to traders and investors across the region.

The vessel has a carrying capacity of 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and measures approximately 400 metres in length, placing it among the world’s Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). Its call at Khalifa Bin Salman Port reflects the port’s advanced operational capabilities and its capacity to receive and handle the largest container ships in service worldwide.

H.F, s.a