Dubai: What is now the world's largest pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), the 7,920-unit Asian Empire belonging to Eukor Car Carriers of Korea, has called at Port Rashid on her maiden voyage after lengthening at a Vietnamese shipyard.
"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," commented Mohammad Al Muallem, svp and md of DP World UAE. "We expect to receive more vessels of this size and capacity as we have been preparingour facilities to keep pace with the industry demands and advancements."
The vessel had been stretched at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard in Vietnam, where a 28-metre midsection was manufactured, inserted and welded into place after the vessel had been surgically cut in two. The jumboization increased the vessel's capacity by 20%, 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. [27/10/06]
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