This is the latest vessel to join the growing Hual fleet of vehicle carriers, now familiar sights alongside the port of Southampton.

Hual Oceania, set to become a regular caller in the docks, has 55,906 square metres of deck space and can carry up to 6,100 cars.

Hual is among the major players in the global vehicle transportation industry. Besides carrying factory new cars under contract with many of the world's major vehicle manufacturers, the company is a world leader in transportation of used vehicles and high and heavy rolling stock.

As the most important business unit of Leif Hegh & Co ASA, Hual accounts for 70 per cent of the parent company's business.

Leif Hegh & Co, which is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, is one of Norway's largest shipping companies and has more than 70 years of experience in shipping.