The mammoth CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin arrived in San Pedro on early Saturday. The container ship, which is nearly 20 stories tall and longer than the Empire State Building if it were placed on its side, is the largest and most technologically advanced cargo vessel in North America.
The predawn hours of Saturday was the capstone to a record-setting year for Los Angeles, local leaders said. Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino, who represents the San Pedro area, called the Benjamin Franklin incredible and said a ship of this magnitude has the potential to impact the local economy in a measurable way.
Highlights :
- The Benjamin Franklin offers the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per-container, per kilometer at 37 grams, and has met 2025 emissions standards.
- The Benjamin Franklin is a third larger than the largest ship previously seen in the Port of Los Angeles.
- Its load includes 18,000 TEUs filled with the usual imports — items like auto parts, clothing, furniture, electronics and shoes.
- CMA CGM, a France-based company, has operated in the United States since 1995, has 10 offices and employs more than 900 people.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the ship’s arrival caps off a remarkable year for the city that saw record-breaking numbers of visitors and airport travelers as well as strong numbers out of the port.
Source: CMA CGM
