The Port of Montevideo marked a milestone on Friday with the arrival of the largest vessel ever to dock in Uruguay, underscoring its role as a regional hub, reports Montivideo's MercoPress.

The Singapore-flagged 14,000-TEU ONE Strength, operated by Ocean Network Express Latin America, berthed at the Katoen Natie terminal on its maiden voyage.

The vessel links Asian ports with South America through the Ipanema service, strengthening trade routes between the two regions. It measures 336 metres in length, with a 51-metre beam and deadweight exceeding 160,000 tons.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the ONE Strength is equipped to use alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia. It also features hybrid emission control systems to cut sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and advanced ballast water treatment to safeguard marine ecosystems.

Uruguayan Transport Minister Lucia Etcheverry and Industry Minister Fernanda Cardona attended the arrival alongside officials from the National Ports Administration and the Navigation Centre. Ms Etcheverry said the service highlights Uruguay's logistics capacity and port safety.

ONE's Uruguay representative Pablo Dominguez said the ship's arrival signals a new era of efficiency and sustainability. Mr Dominguez noted that vessel sizes calling at Montevideo have grown tenfold over the past three decades.