Largest car and truck carrier calls at Port Rashid (Staff Report)

Dubai: The world's largest pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) called at Port Rashid, the port operator said. The 228-metre long vessel Asian Empire has a total carrying capacity of 7,920 units. Owned and operated by Eujor Car Carriers of South Korea, the Asian Empire is under the UAE agency Diamond Shipping Services, while regional operations are overseen by Eukor Dubai. "The vessel called at Port Rashid on its maiden voyage. The high-quality infrastructure, facilities and equipment at the terminal ensured smooth and efficient handling of the vessel," DP World UAE said in a statement. "The rapid growth in the automotive sector due to the growing number of commuters within the region, as well as the upsurge in construction projects has created a demand for PCTCs such as the Asian Empire," Mohammad Al Muallem, senior vice-president and managing director of DP World UAE said. "We expect to receive more vessels of this size and capacity as we have been preparing our facilities to keep pace with the industry demands and advancements," Muallem said. The vessel was stretched at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard in Vietnam. A 28-metre midsection was manufactured and after a surgical incision which cut the vessel into two pieces, the section was inserted and welded into place. The elongation has increased the vessel's capacity by 20 per cent, or 1,200 units, from 6,720 units to 7,920 units. A sister vessel, the Asian Majesty, is scheduled at Hyundai Mipo Vinashin for a similar elongation.