Megaship Benjamin Franklin arrives in Oakland early Thursday

Best spot to see largest container ship in U.S.? Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

Oakland, CA - February 23, 2016: Early birds will catch the megaship this week.  The 1,310-foot-long container vessel CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin arrives at the Port of Oakland Thursday.  That's a day earlier than expected for the largest ship to ever visit a U.S. Port. Not only that, the ship is expected to berth in Oakland's Middle Harbor at about 7 a.m.

Early risers will be able to get a close-up view, the Port said.  The Franklin will tie up at Berths 55-56 on Oakland Estuary.  That's right next to the Port's Middle Harbor Shoreline Park on Middle Harbor Road and 7th Street.  Parking and park access are free.

The Benjamin Franklin is making its second visit to Oakland.  It arrived New Year's Eve on its maiden voyage.  Hundreds of spectators witnessed the arrival from vantage points along the San Francisco Bay shoreline.  More are expected this time with the opportunity to see the massive ship at close range.

The Franklin can carry up to 18,000 20-foot cargo containers.  It's bound for Oakland from Long Beach where it arrived last week.  The vessel is scheduled to depart Friday afternoon for Seattle, its last U.S. stop before returning to Asia.

Check here for updates on the Benjamin Franklin's voyage to Oakland.