Working Conditions Aboard the Cma-Cgm-T.roosevelt

On July 26, 2017, the CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt embarked on its inaugural voyage from Asia, marking its debut in the South Atlantic Express Service (SAX). The journey commenced from Hong Kong, with the vessel making its way to Shanghai before a pivotal stopover in Panama City on August 21. This port call coincided with the recent expansion of the Panama Canal, which unveiled new locks for larger ships last summer. Following its Panama visit, the Theodore Roosevelt proceeded to Colón on August 22, continuing its voyage northward to Norfolk, Virginia, on August 28. The ship then took a southern route to Savannah, slated for August 31, before looping to Charleston on September 2. This Charleston call will precede a significant milestone as the Theodore Roosevelt arrives at the Port of New York and New Jersey for the Bayonne Bridge inauguration on September 7, 2017. This special port visit underscores CMA CGM's commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and accessibility at one of America’s busiest port complexes. The elevation of the Bayonne Bridge and the deepening of the shipping channel will facilitate the arrival of larger container vessels, ushering in a new chapter for maritime operations in the region.

On August 22, 2017, the Panama Canal achieved a significant milestone by accommodating the largest container ship to ever pass through its Expanded Locks—the CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt. This Neopanamax vessel, which set sail from Asia, is scheduled to make several stops along the U.S. East Coast. With a Total TEU Allowance (TTA) of 14,855, the ship stretches an impressive 365.9 meters in length and boasts a beam of 48.2 meters. For perspective, the length of this colossal ship is comparable to laying two Great Pyramids of Giza, four Big Bens, or eight Statues of Liberty side by side. Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano stated, 'Today's transit not only highlights the tremendous success of the Expanded Canal but also its pivotal role in transforming global trade.' The CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt is part of the newly established OCEAN Alliance’s weekly South Atlantic Express (SAX) service, linking Asian ports to U.S. East Coast destinations via the Panama Canal. The SAX service features a fleet of 11 vessels, with capacities ranging from 11,000 to 14,000 TEUs, including earlier transits in May that also set records for the largest vessels at the time.