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

For the first time in the history of African shipping, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has launched ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEUs in the region. The official launch 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 major step forward in port capacity, but also opens up breakthrough opportunities for the entire regional economy.

MSC DILETTA

The MSC DILETTA arrived in Lomé, Togo on April 23, becoming the largest container ship ever to call 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 containerships in West Africa not only affirms the company's pioneering role in the region, but also demonstrates its strong commitment to promoting trade, supporting economic growth and accompanying the development of local communities.

The decision was driven by the strong growth in trade between Asia and Africa – particularly West Africa – in recent years. The introduction of larger vessels will enable MSC to respond more effectively to market demand while improving operational efficiency for customers on this strategic trade route. At the same time, it is a concrete step that demonstrates MSC’s long-term investment in the region’s economic development, through supporting the upgrading of logistics infrastructure and enhancing connectivity.

After leaving Lomé, MSC DILETTA continued on to Abidjan (Ivory Coast), while MSC TÜRKIYE – 400 metres long, with a draft of 16 metres and a beam of 61 metres – called at Tema (Ghana) and Kribi (Cameroon). With unprecedented scale, these calls are reshaping the role of West African ports as new strategic transshipment hubs on the global trade map.

The emergence of super-large container ships does not simply bring greater carrying capacity, but also creates significant spillover effects. Increased transport capacity means that import and export cargo flows will be boosted, contributing to stimulating economic growth. The need to adapt to large ship sizes will also promote investment in port infrastructure, improving the capacity to receive and handle goods of countries in the region. In addition, transporting large volumes in each trip will help optimize the logistics chain, shorten transportation times and reduce operating costs.

With the introduction of 24,000 TEU vessels to West Africa, MSC is opening a new chapter for maritime trade in the region. In the context of global supply chain restructuring, West Africa has the opportunity to become an important link, with untapped growth potential.

MSC

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