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The port of Port Elizabeth will welcome the world's first ship of its size to employ a hybrid electric power plant, and the first ship ever to produce zero emissions while berthed.
The 200 metre long hybrid car carrier, Emerald Ace, arrives on Thursday, carrying both imports and transshipment volumes which will be handled at the car terminal at the PE port.
Transnet Port Terminals says the arrival of the vessel shows confidence in the car terminal to handle new generation car carriers.
TPT general manager Eastern Cape Terminals, Siya Mhlaluka, says they're "pleased with the confidence shown to our operations, we are proud to have been able to offer capacity and efficient service to our valued customers which will afford them the opportunity to compete in the global space. As a further demonstration of the company's effort in creating and sustaining a green economy, we wish to congratulate MOL for this initiative and we are looking forward to handling more of these vessels".
"It gives us pleasure for the Emerald Ace, the first built hybrid car carrier to be accommodated for the first time at the Port Elizabeth Car Terminal, thus contributing to sustainable growth and development of the Region's automotive sector", says Mario Janssen, General Manager of MOL South Africa Car Carrier.
Transnet Port Terminals said its Market Demand Strategy will see R33bn of the R300bn infrastructure spend, go towards boosting port operations.
The state-owned company says attracting such volumes will position the Port Elizabeth Car Terminal as the operator of choice.
"It also forms part of growing much needed volumes. The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal currently has a capacity of handling 5000 units, with an efficiency handling rate of 177 units per hour during the previous financial year with a total volume of 128 768 FBU ( Fully Built Units) handled through the PE port during the same period."
The Emerald Ace was built as the world's first newly built hybrid car carrier, and is equipped with a hybrid electric power supply system that combines a 160kW solar generation system.
The Emerald boasts a capacity of 6400 vehicles (standard passenger cars). The LOA is at 199.99 m with a 32.26mm beam. The depth is 34.52m and the draft is 92725m. The handling of a vessel of this magnitude displays the Port Elizabeth's readiness and capability in handling large volumes.
