On Friday, July 29, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) sent its first ship in rotation, the Hyundai Saturn, to the Port of New York and New Jersey as part of its five ship commitment to the new “NYX” service calling at GCT Bayonne.

An Ultra Large Container Ship (ULCS), the Saturn was on its maiden voyage from the Daewoo Shipyard of Korea after delivery to it owners, Zodiac Maritime of London, England. HMM is the charterer party for the 10,077 TEU ship. The vessel was among the first of its type, which features a unique design, to berth at the Port of New York and New Jersey. Specifically, the Saturn’s bridge sits far forward to increase visibility and navigational safety while docking and at sea.

To celebrate the Saturn’s arrival, Molly Campbell, Port Director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, invited 40 major port customers to a reception in partnership with Dave Aresenault, President of Hyundai America Shipping Agency (HASA), and John Atkins, President of GCT Bayonne. A major theme of the event was HASA’s commitment to its customer’s, the Port of New York and New Jersey, and the port’s regional economy. The guest of honor was New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno. A plaque commemorating the maiden voyage was presented to the Saturn’s captain, who welcomed the invited guests onboard for a tour.

The Saturn loaded exports in Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao, China before making a stop in Korea and a transit through the new locks of the Panama Canal. ULCSs like the Saturn pay canal charges on a one-way basis of approximately $880,000.

The Saturn joins the 10 ship “NYX” ship string of 10,000 TEU ULCS arriving every Thursday, operated jointly by the G6 carrier alliance. Three additional ships, including the Hyundai Pluto, Jupiter, and Mars will make their maiden voyages to GCT Bayonne from now through September, with the PONYNJ being their first port of call.