THAMESPORT on the Isle of Grain has handled its largest vessel, a 93,000-ton container ship.

The Adrian Maersk has now left the port, but its sister ship, the Arthur Maersk, also 93,000 tons, is due to arrive on Sunday.

Both vessels were diverted from their usual slot at the Southampton Container Terminals.

A spokesman for Thamesport said: "This increased traffic follows the recent successful visits of the Sovereign Maersk and the Chastine Maersk to the Medway port, also diverted from Southampton."

Chris Lewis, chief executive of Thamesport's parent company, Hutchison Ports (UK), said: "Thamesport is the only deep water container terminal in the UK currently able to accommodate a significant increase in container volumes.

"The successful handling of these calls has proved that it is an excellent choice for shippers, with excellent turnaround times, and no congestion.

"We have established an excellent relationship with Maersk Line throughout the many years of working together, and are more than happy to accommodate their vessels at Thamesport."

The 75,000-ton Bangkok Express container vessel was also handled at Thamesport earlier in the year. It had also been diverted from Southampton.