On May 28, 2012, the M.V. COSCO Auckland called the Barbours Cut container terminal at the Port of Houston, initiating COSCON Gulf of Mexico Express service (GME). The service calls Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Yantian, then Colon and Houston. Not only was this the inauguration of the new GME service, but also the maiden voyage of the M.V. COSCO Auckland.

This event turns a new page of COSCON for providing a direct service between Far East and US Gulf region. Executives of the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) and COSCO Container Lines Americas presented a maiden voyage commemorative plague to Capt. Gu Longhua to congratulate his crew on a successful voyage and wish them a smooth journey.

Capt. Gu Longhua (center) accepting a maiden voyage commemorative plaque from PHA and CCLA Executives. From the left, Mr. John Moseley, General Manager, Trade Development, PHA, Col. Leonard D. Waterworth, Executive Director, PHA, Capt. Gu, Mr. Dugan Graddy, EVP, CCLA and Mr. Patrick Nwachokor, Market Research Analyst, Trade Development, PHA.

While in port, the vessel passed US Coast Guard Houston Sector PSC (Port State Control) inspection flawlessly. The vessel departed on schedule on May 30, 2012. Please click this brochure for more information regarding the GME service.