Experts have united in hailing the milestone, terming it a testament to South Africa’s operational readiness to take shipping and logistic efforts to another level.
On 5 July, MSC Nicola Mastro – one of the largest container vessels in the world successfully berthed at the Port of Ngqura in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, with experts hailing the milestone as “one of the world’s largest container vessels meeting operations worthy of her magnitude.”
Measuring an impressive 400m in length and 61.5m in beam, the vessel magnificently docked during her maiden journey, guided by four tugboats into the harbour, double the usual number.
“The arrival of this vessel on our shores brings to the fore the critical role South Africa ports should uphold in responding to the needs of the current global trade ecosystem,” stated acting Transnet Ports Authority Chief Executive Phyllis Difeto.
She said South Africa’s ability to dock one of the world’s largest container ships has the potential to transform shipping patterns regionally and globally.
“It positions the Port of Ngqura as the key container transshipment hub within the global and Saharan Africa markets.”
Experts have united in hailing the milestone, terming it a testament to South Africa’s operational readiness to take shipping and logistic efforts to another level.
“Her arrival on MSC’s Far east-South Africa service underscores Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) growing capability as a transshipment hub and its readiness to handle the world’s biggest ships,” said Terry Hutson, Owner, Africa Ports & Ships, with interests in Port, Maritime and Railway, in a LinkedIn post.
Nachi Mendelow, Vice President, Business Development Africa said the progress will most definitely unlock new growth opportunities not only for South Africa, but for Africa as a whole.
“Exciting to see such progress unlocking new growth opportunities for the region. The tide is turning — and it’s bringing bigger ships, and bigger potential with it,” he stated.
Maritime pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana led the berthing operation, supported by 24 members of the crew.
Sisilana, from rural East Cape Town holds an open licence to pilot vessels of any size. She began her maritime career in 2008, courtesy of a Transnet bursary.
South Africa’s Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism congratulated her, after she made history by piloting one of the world’s largest container vessels.
“Her achievement is more than just a maritime milestone, it’s a bold symbol of what’s possible when women are empowered to lead in sectors like maritime, logistics, engineering, and infrastructure,” said the department in a statement.
Constructed in 2023, the MSC Nicola Mastro belongs to the Celestino Maresca class of ultra-large vessels. It surpasses the dimensions of previous ships accommodated at NCT, previously limited to vessels within the 366-metre class.
As the MSC Nicola Mastro departs the Port of Ngqura after completing its cargo operations on 5 July, it leaves behind more than just a logistical milestone — it marks a turning point for South Africa’s maritime ambitions of becoming a key player in global shipping.