Gulftainer and Mag Line Mark New Chapter for Sharjah Based Shipping Line

Gulftainer-operated Sharjah Container Terminal was the site for the launch of the Mag Container Line (MCL), the Mag Bride, the first of four new vessels. The Mag Bride will operate on MCL’s Sharjah to Abu Fulous, Iraq service.

The vessel is the first of four replacements being made in the MCL fleet. The launch took place at Sharjah Port’s Berth Four, with MCL CEO, Hagop Gharnagharian and the MCL management team at the start of a new chapter for the Sharjah based shipping line.

MCL’s Commercial Director, Kiyork Zerestian, re-affirmed Sharjah Container Terminal as their base in the UAE saying “Gulftainer and Mag Line are together as one and this development will lead to greater volumes for us at Sharjah, for sure.”

As the largest export shipping line at Sharjah Container Terminal, Gulftainer has worked closely with MCL for 10 years, Peter Richards, Managing Director for Gulftainer said “We have a long standing association with MCL and look forward to working with the new vessels as they come online. It is fantastic to see the Mag Bride officially launch from a Gulftainer port and is a true recognition of the strength of our companies’ relationship.”

In keeping with maritime traditions, the Master of the Mag Bride was presented with a commemorative shield by SCT Terminal Manager, Richard James, to mark the occasion of the maiden call.

The vessel is equipped with the latest navigational technologies and communications equipment. The Mag Bride is registered in Charlestown, under the St Kitts and Nevis flag at a deadweight of 3,549 tons. She is 93 meters long, will draw between 5-6m and has a maximum capacity of 301 TEUs including 60 reefer points.

The Mag Bride will complete all acceptance trials at SCT before entering operational service, and will be joined by sister ships, Mag Pearl, Al Hussein and Mag Excellence over the coming month.

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Gulftainer, May 13, 2013