Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has confirmed that one of the largest container vessels in the world, the MSC Nicola Mastro, successfully docked at the Port of Ngqura on 3 July.
With capacity of 24 116 TEU, the historic berthing of the 299-metre-wide ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) demonstrates South Africa’s maritime capabilities and fit-for-purpose port infrastructure designed to accommodate new-generation vessels.
Earlier on Thursday, as the ULCV’s arrival was still anticipated, the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) lauded it as a landmark achievement.
Saaff head of Research and Development, Dr Jacob van Rensburg said: “This is notable given our terminals typically handling neo-Panamax ships of up to 15 000 TEU due to depth and crane limits.”
TNPA said: “This achievement solidifies our status as a significant player in the global maritime industry.
“The successful berthing of the MSC Nicola Mastro” – which is about 400 metres long – “was made possible by a four-tug operation.
“These tugboats (tugs) have a bollard-pull of 60 to 70 tonnes, fully capable to handle larger vessels efficiently. This special operation necessitated the ports authority to increase the number of tugs required for safe navigation in the port, from the standard two-tug operation to four.”
TNPA added that the arrival of the ULCV on South Africa’s shores brought to the fore the critical role local 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 transshipment hub within the global and Saharan Africa markets,” said acting TNPA chief executive, Phyllis Difeto.
TNPA pointed out that South Africa’s deepest port, with berths of up to 18 metres, made it a major attraction for container traffic and transshipment opportunities.
“Nicola Mastro surpasses the size of previous vessels that have docked at the Port of Ngqura, which were limited to 366 metres in length. Her on-time berthing was skilfully managed by a marine crew of approximately 24 members led by marine pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana.
Olwethu is one of TNPA’s marine pilots with an open licence, allowing her to handle any size of vessel docking and sailing at the port.
Originally from Qanda village of eXesi in the rural Eastern Cape, Pilot Olwethu began her maritime career in 2008 through a Transnet bursary and has recorded a major milestone in her career through this docking.
TNPA said that after the Mastro’s successful docking, it was ready for receiving more vessel call-ins of this calibre.
