Port of Felixstowe became the first port in the UK to handle the world's largest container vessel this week.

The Majestic Maersk - which made its maiden call at Felixstowe on Monday (October 15th) - can transport 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (teu).

Within the same 24 hours, the facility - owned by Hutchison Ports - also received the 14,000 teu MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company's (MSC's) Gaiawas, 13,400 teu Cosco England and the 13,000 teu MSC Capella.

Head of corporate affairs of Hutchison Ports Paul Davey said: "Seeing four of these giant ships at Felixstowe in 24 hours demonstrates our unique ability to handle multiple calls by the very largest ships simultaneously."

The Majestic Maersk embarked on its first voyage in September this year and operates between Europe and Asia. Despite its size the carrier is said to be very efficient, using 35 per cent less fuel per container compared to Maersk's other ships.