Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the largest container shipping company in the world by both fleet size and cargo volume, has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first liner to deploy ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) to Africa. This strategic move marks a significant shift in global shipping, as MSC expands its presence on the continent with vessels of unprecedented size.
As part of its enhanced Africa Express service, MSC recently introduced two of its most advanced and massive container ships—MSC Diletta and MSC Turkiye—to West African ports. These ships, each with a capacity of more than 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), are among the largest in the world. Their arrival represents a bold step in upgrading the region’s shipping capabilities and infrastructure.
MSC Diletta
The MSC Diletta, built in 2021 in China and registered in Liberia, has a container capacity of 23,964 TEU and a deadweight of 235,228 tons. It made its first stop in Togo at the Port of Lomé, where MSC’s terminal subsidiary, Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), operates in collaboration with China Merchants at the Lomé Container Terminal. From there, the vessel continued its route to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, extending MSC’s high-capacity service further along the West African coast.
The MSC Turkiye, delivered to MSC in 2023 and also registered in Liberia, boasts an even larger container capacity of 24,346 TEU. With a length of 400 meters, a width of 61 meters, and a draft of 16 meters, it ranks among the biggest container ships ever to serve Africa. It made stops in several countries, including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon, reinforcing MSC’s growing regional footprint.
According to MSC, the deployment of such large vessels is driven by multiple factors. A key reason is the surge in trade between Asia and Africa, particularly with China and South Korea. Larger vessels help meet this rising demand more efficiently by carrying more cargo in fewer trips. Additionally, customers increasingly expect faster and more reliable shipping services, and these large ships can help meet those expectations. MSC also emphasizes its long-term commitment to Africa’s development, aiming to strengthen supply chains, improve port logistics, and enhance regional connectivity.
Until now, the largest container ships operating in West African waters were about 366 meters in length. The introduction of 400-meter-long vessels required infrastructure upgrades at key ports like Lomé, enabling them to accommodate these giants of the sea. This shift not only reflects MSC’s evolving strategy but also underscores Africa’s growing role in global maritime trade.