The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal handled the world’s largest roll-on roll-of (roro) pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Höegh Aurora, on its first call to Africa this week.
The highly advanced PCTC called at the port on Tuesday where it discharged 1 966 imported vehicles that it had transported from the Bremerhaven and Santander ports in Germany and Spain.
The vessel has capacity to carry 9 100 vehicles.
Transnet Port Terminals Eastern Cape Region managing executive, Wandisa Vazi, said welcoming the vessel had been a proud moment for the terminal.
“It demonstrates our ability to manage high-volume shipments efficiently while showcasing our commitment to supporting South Africa’s automotive sector,” said Vazi.
She added that collaborative efforts ensured seamless cargo handling and adherence to safety protocols which were essential for a vessel of this scale.
“The terminal demonstrated its readiness through meticulous pre-arrival planning with shipping line representatives and the stevedoring company,” Vazi said.
As a critical hub in South Africa’s automotive logistics chain, the Port Elizabeth Car Terminal has in the last seven months of the 2024/2025 financial year, handled 8% more volumes than budgeted for the period.
The terminal has exceeded operational targets, handling 114 041 fully built units (FBU) against budgeted volumes of 105 596 FBU.
After 16 hours of offloading, Höegh Aurora departed from Gqeberha to the Durban Car Terminal before returning to Europe.
