[Maritime News] MSC sets record as 24,000 TEU megaship docks in West Africa, promising to reshape the regional economic landscape

For the first time in the history of African maritime, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has launched ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEU in the region. The official operation of MSC DILETTA and MSC TÜRKIYE on the Africa Express service – connecting China, South Korea, Southeast Asia with West African countries such as Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast and Cameroon – not only marks a significant step forward in port capacity, but also opens up breakthrough opportunities for the entire regional economy.

MSC DILETTA

The MSC DILETTA docked at Lomé port (Togo) on April 23rd, becoming the largest container ship ever to dock in West Africa. This is considered a historic milestone for the continent's maritime supply chain, marking a new era of superior shipping capacity.

According to MSC, the deployment of 24,000 TEU container ships in West Africa not only affirms the airline's pioneering role in the region, but also demonstrates its strong commitment to promoting trade, supporting economic growth, and contributing to the development of local communities.

This decision was driven by the strong growth in trade between Asia and Africa – particularly West Africa – in recent years. The introduction of larger vessels allows MSC to more effectively meet market demand while improving operational efficiency for customers on this strategic trade route. Simultaneously, it represents a concrete step demonstrating MSC's long-term investment in regional economic development through supporting logistics infrastructure upgrades and enhanced connectivity.

After departing Lomé, MSC DILETTA continued its journey to Abidjan (Ivory Coast), while MSC TÜRKIYE – 400 meters long, 16 meters draft, and 61 meters wide – docked at Tema (Ghana) and Kribi (Cameroon). On an unprecedented scale, these voyages are reshaping the role of West African ports as new strategic transit hubs on the global trade map.

The emergence of ultra-large container ships not only brings greater carrying capacity but also creates significant ripple effects. Increased transport capacity means a boost in import and export cargo volume, contributing to economic growth. The need to adapt to the size of these ships will also encourage investment in port infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of countries in the region to receive and handle goods. Furthermore, transporting large volumes per voyages will optimize the logistics chain, shorten transit times, and reduce operating costs.

With the regular deployment of 24,000 TEU vessels to West Africa, MSC is opening a new chapter for maritime trade in the region. Amidst the global restructuring of supply chains, West Africa is poised to become a crucial link, with untapped growth potential.

MSC

Source: https://vimc.co/msc-lap-ky-luc-khi-sieu-tau-24-000-teu-cap-cang-tay-phi/