World's largest car, truck carrier docks at Durban

The Hoegh Target with her 21 Chinese crew docked at the city's port this morning.

The vessel - which is on its maiden voyage, is the latest edition to Norwegian company Hoegh Autoliners - and has the capacity to carry 8 500 car units.

If all these individual car units are placed in a straight line, it would be as long as a full marathon which is 42km.

The company's Head of Area for Africa, William Hepplewhite says it took about nine months to build the Target.

"It's 36 metres wide so it's wider than our normal vessels. It's 200 metres long and the most important thing is our ramp here that is 375 tons. So it can handle heavier cargo. There's a 6.5-metre high opening and it's also more flexible. 

"It's green orientated. This vessel will emit about 50% less carbon dioxide per car that we carry on this vessel and that is through engine and hull design," he said.     

General Manager for Transnet Port Terminals, Zeph Ndlovu says work to expand the port of Durban started about seven years ago.

He says the width has been increased from 120 metres to about 220 metres and work continues to deepen and widen the berths. 

Ndlovu says the ship's arrival bears testament to the port's capability.

"So, this vessel comes at the right time when all that preparatory work - part of its phases have been completed. We are busy with the expansion work on the other side. As Transnet, we have announced our MDS rollout programme, beginning to roll it out and some of the benefits are beginning to show," he said.

eThekwini municipality speaker Logie Naidoo was also on hand to welcome the ship to the East Coast.

He says it's the first time the harbour is receiving a Super Panamax vessel. 

"Here is an absolutely huge cargo vessel bringing in vehicles into our city. It's really great for the port and our economy. And it goes to show that we are globally competitive and that's what we aim to do. The port is the lifeblood of the city's economy and we want to use the port as an instrument become a global investment destination and become part of the global economy," he said.

The Hoegh Target will off load and load about 3000 thousand units at the harbour. The second vessel is expected at Durban in December.

The cargo carrier was built and launched this year and has completed trials. 

On this maiden voyage, she's sailed from the Far East to Europe and currently Africa. 

Her first South Africa stop was Port Elizabeth on Wednesday. 

The vessel will spend about 30 hours at Durban Harbour before heading to Maputo, Madagascar, Reunion, Port Louis, Australia and then back to the Far East.

See pictures of the Hoegh Target below. 

(Photos by Dineo Mphahlele)