Largest container ship visits Port Chalmers

Today's arrival of the largest container vessel to visit Port Chalmers in the past 47 years heralds a significant change for Southern export services.

Rio de Janeiro arrived at Port Chalmers this morning and is due to depart tomorrow night.

It's the first of 7 ships capable of carrying nearly 6000 twenty foot shipping containers, calling at Port Chalmers every Sunday.

The change from L-class to the larger Rio-class ships increases Maersk’s capacity by 500 containers per week.

Port Otago's expecting produce from Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms to make up the bulk of exports.

Last financial year Port Otago had a ten percent increase in container numbers.