Largest cargo ship ever to visit US leaves Port of Oakland

OAKLAND (KRON) — The largest container ship to ever visit the United States departed from the Port of Oakland Monday afternoon.

Officials said the 1,300-foot long Benjamin Franklin left around 1:15 p.m. after docking at the port on New Year’s Eve. The megaship made its maiden voyage from Asia.

It brought beverages, furniture, glassware, plastics, electronics and steel products from China.

The Benjamin Franklin is expected to return to Oakland regularly, hauling cargo between China, South Korea and the West Coast.

It stopped at Los Angeles first before arriving in Oakland, and will export agricultural products and other items back to Asia, port officials said.

The Port of Oakland spent millions of dollars over multiple years to prepare for the arrival of megaships like the Benjamin Franklin by dredging port channels to 50 feet, raising cranes and modernizing terminals.Bay City News contributed to this report.