The MSC Verona in the Port of Boston.
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston was the port of call this week for the largest container ship to ever dock in these parts.
The MSC Verona, a massive LNG-powered container ship four football fields long, called Conley Terminal in South Boston home Monday and Tuesday.
At 1,200 feet long and almost 170 ft. wide, the vessel attracted excited ship enthusiasts taking pictures and video while the mammoth ship had its cargo unloaded.
Debbie Jameson and her sister brought their 97-year-old Dad to Black Falcon Pier.
"We're all enjoying this," Debbie said. "Look at all the containers it has!"
"This is going to be a good thing for Boston if we get more of them,” said Judy Jameson.
In fact, according to the Massachusetts Port Authority, the Port of Boston generates $8.2 billion in annual economic impact and supports more than 66,000 jobs.
A major upgrade and years-long investment in the port including dredging, means it's now possible for Boston to accommodate enormous ships like the MSC Verona.
Debbie and Judy's dad was also impressed as he watched the ship's departure.
"This is great, unbelievable!" Ralph said.
Massport said among the upgrades made to the port making visits from ships like the MSC Verona possible were the installation of three new ship-to-shore cranes and a new 50-foot-deep berth to accommodate large ships.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.