A GLOBAL shipping line's newest vessel has made its maiden voyage to the region.

The Containerships VIII, operated by Containerships Oy, of Finland, called at PD Teesport.

The vessel is one of the largest ships using Teesport and is one of four ships operating the same route between Helsinki, St Petersburg, Teesport and Rotterdam.

PD Teesport managing director David Robinson presented Captain Gunter Charpian with a commemorative plaque to welcome the vessel and its crew.

He said: "The introduction of Containerships VIII will help to ease the tight schedule endured by the major shipping line."