THE biggest ship to ever sail the Thames called into London Gateway this morning.

The 399 metre long, 60 metre wide and 195,000 tonne Munkebo Maersk is one of the largest container vessels in the world and drew into the port with the help of the Port of London Authority’s pilots.

The ship - equivalent in length to almost four football pitches – is capable of carrying 18,300 20-foot containers, and docked just weeks after the Edith Maersk – 366 meters in length – called into the port, holding the previous record the biggest ship to sail the river.

The Munkebo Maersk is operating Maersk’s new East-West Network.

The chief executive of DP World London Gateway, Simon Moore, said: “This is yet another record and landmark moment for DP World London Gateway.

“By welcoming the Munkebo Maersk we have demonstrated again that we are more than capable of handling the world’s biggest container ships, in this case operating on the Asia-Europe routes.”

Brian Godsafe, managing director of Maersk Line UK and Ireland, added: “We’re using DP World London Gateway to help ensure the right container equipment is available for our customers in the locations they want it. In this instance, that means out in the Far East where they can be used to transport goods across our East-West Network.

“We are delighted that DP World London Gateway has been able to support us in serving our customers, and are pleased to help them break the record of the largest vessel on the Thames to date.”