A MARITIME boss is "thrilled to bits" to welcome one of the world's largest ships to Southampton.
The CMA CGM Kerguelen, which can carry more than 17,000 containers and is bigger than the Empire State Building, is currently making her first and only UK stop at Southampton.
More than £100 million has been invested by Associated British Ports to ensure that the city can accommodate such huge vessels and stay at the forefront of the UK container market.
Sir Alan Massey, chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, believes this reflects well on the city as a whole.
He said: "We are completely delighted and I'm absolutely thrilled to bits that the ship is here.
"It's a huge ship and CMA is one of our biggest customers in terms of tonnes of freight.
"We are pleased to have that company because we are looking for high-quality ship owners."
The Kerguelen will leave Southampton at 8am tomorrow.
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