FOR the first time since the upgrade of the automotive berth at the Port of East London, two of the largest pure car carriers in the world fleet berthed at the same time. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said this operation demonstrates the upgraded capacity of the port’s automotive berth, which now accommodates the simultaneous berthing of two new generation pure car carrier vessels on the West Quay.
The upgrade has doubled the automotive berth’s design capacity to handle 790,000 units per year.
The two vessels, MV Silver Sun – approximately 182.71m long – and MV Martorell Ace – 199,54m – docked along the West Quay, which now has a depth of -10.7m (CD) and a total length of 550m. TNPA said the seamless berthing of these two car carriers reinforces the Port of East London’s status as a crucial hub for the automotive industry.
TNPA said that, as part of an ongoing turnaround plan, the Port of East London continues to collaborate with terminal operators and customers to ensure the provision of fit-for-purpose port infrastructure. “This operational highlight demonstrates TNPA’s commitment to enabling automotive volume recovery and improving operational efficiency.”
