The Port Elizabeth business community is celebrating the arrival of the world's largest car and truck carrier to South African shores.
The Port of Port Elizabeth was the first stop for the M/V Hoegh Target on Wednesday morning- which is on its maiden voyage to South Africa.
The vessel discharged cars loaded in Europe while also loading vessels and machinery destined for East Africa.
The next stop for the Norwegian-owned vessel is the Port of Durban.
PE port manager, Rajesh Dana, says today showcases the ports ability to handle the latest generation vessels as well as the ability to handle the technology on those vessels.
"I need to thank sincerely Hoegh portal liners together with their owners,their agents, the captain and crew for having the confidence to sail into South African waters and to truly give us the opportunity in Nelson Mandela Bay to host as the first port of call in the Port of PE"- he said.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Kevin Hustler, says while the ships arrival is something to celebrate it's also about unlocking the so-called ocean economy.
"This is an indication of the confidence shown in our region and South Africa as well as the importance of the ocean economy world wide. To have a vessel that can take over 8500 vehicles from our shores ,from all the OEM's and export around the world into the European market. We need to celebrate this and be very grateful for the investment made by the owners of this vessel today"- he said.
