Durban welcomes one of the world’s largest ro-ros

The Italian ro-ro shipping line, Ignazio Messina, has just introduced one of the world’s largest ro-ro vessels, the Jolly Diamante – capable of handling containers, breakbulk and vehicles – on its African services. The newbuild, a 3 100- TEU capacity ro-ro containership, sailed into the Port of Durban for the first time last Friday – and was welcomed at an official ceremony organised by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Monday. She is one of four sister ships due to sail the line’s Africa trade lanes, and part of a R2.3-billion investment. She will soon be joined by the Jolly Perla, with the Jolly Cristallo and Jolly Quarzo to follow at a later date. With a stern quarter ramp of 317 tonnes capacity, the vessels are capable of loading awkward and project cargo up to 7-metres high. Ignazio Messina said that the vessels were designed in-house, were technologically advanced and fitted with state-of-the-art anti-pollution systems. With an overall length of 240-m and a 37.50-m breadth, the ships can reach a 21.5-knot speed. They are described as multipurpose and highly flexible. With a draft of 11.50-m and 45 200-t deadweight (dwt), the line added, they will be able to operate in those African ports where large containerships cannot be received due to draft limitations.