The New Zealand government on Tuesday welcomed the arrival of the largest container ship ever to visit the country, describing it as a possible "game-changer" for exports.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said the "megaship," Aotea Maersk, which docked in the eastern North Island port of Tauranga, offered exporters significant efficiency and environmental benefits with its capacity for 9,500 twenty-foot-equivalent units.

"The Aotea Maersk can carry almost twice as much cargo as any other container ship that has previously docked in New Zealand, allowing us to become a more efficient export nation," Bridges said.

"Such large ships are a potential game-changer for New Zealand businesses looking to export, allowing us to compete with countries that have big ships on their main trade routes," he said.

"It will serve a new line between China, New Zealand and Chile, opening up new economic opportunities in Latin America. It will also offer a fast weekly direct service to important markets including China, (South) Korea and Japan."

The lower emissions per container generated by such vessels allowed New Zealand exports to gain a relative carbon efficiency, compared to products from competing markets, Bridges said.

Source  :XINHUA