Ben Franklin – Cargo Ships are Increasing in Size

The largest container ship to ever make port in North America, center, unloads its cargo in the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, CA on Saturday, December 26, 2015. After making its maiden voyage from China, where it was built, the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin arrived before dawn with its cargo. The ship can carry 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is about a third more than the ships that currently dock in the Port of L.A. The vessel measures 1,300 feet long, 177 feet wide and is 197 feet tall and is staffed with a crew of 26. The giant ship is scheduled to leave Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 30 en route to Oakland before returning to China. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze)