AS the size of container vessels increases to achieve significant economies of scale, ports are adapting to accommodate these Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) carrying over 16,000 TEUs and measuring around 40m long and 60m wide.
On 3 July, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) successfully coordinated the berthing of one of these ULCS vessels for the first time at the 16-18 m deep Port of Nqgura.
The MSC Nicola Mastro, with a capacity of 24,116 TEU, 400 m in length and 61.5 m in width, called in at the Eastern Cape port on her maiden voyage.
According to TNPA, the on-time berthing was skilfully managed by a marine crew of approximately 24 members, led by marine pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana, and four, rather than the standard two tugboats. Mtsewu-Sisilanais one of TNPA’s marine pilots with an open license, allowing her to handle any size vessel docking and sailing at the port.
“The arrival of this vessel on our shores brings to the fore the critical role SA ports should uphold in responding to the needs of the current global trade ecosystem. Our ability to dock one of the world’s largest container ships has the potential to transform shipping patterns. It positions the Port of Ngqura as the key container transhipment hub, within the global and [sub]-Saharan Africa markets,” said acting TNPA chief executive, Phyllis Difeto.
TNPA said it is gearing towards receiving more vessel call-ins of this calibre.
The only other ULCS to have docked at a South African port was the MSC Rifaya, which made an unscheduled call at the Port of Durban for repairs in June this year.
ULCS in Africa
The trend of building larger and larger container ships is a key strategy for major shipping lines, and it is estimated that there are well over 200 ULCSs in operation, with this number steadily increasing.
Earlier this year the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) became the first shipping line to deploy ULS with a capacity of 24,000 TEU in Africa. In May, the company said the arrival of the MSC Diletta and MSC Tükiye on the Africa Express service, connecting key regions from China and South Korea through Southeast Asia to Ghana, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon, signalled a significant leap in West Africa’s port capabilities and holds the potential to positively alter the economic environment.
On 23 April, the MSC Diletta arrived in Lomé, Togo, marking “a turning point, ushering in an era of unprecedented shipping capacity for the region”.
MSC said it believes the arrival of 24,000 TEU ultra-large container vessels on African shores marks not only a major milestone but also reflects the company’s dedication to strengthening trade, driving economic growth across West Africa, and supporting local communities.
