Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on July 3 berthed one of the largest container vessels in the world, MSC Nicola Mastro, on her maiden voyage, at its deepwater Port of Ngqura, in the Eastern Cape.

With a capacity of 24 116 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs), just below 400 m in length and 61 m in beam, the historical berthing of this vessel demonstrates TNPA’s marine capabilities and fit-for-purpose port infrastructure designed to accommodate new-generation vessels, the entity posits in a statements.

The successful berthing of MSC Nicola Mastro was made possible by a four-tug operation. These tugboats have a bollard pull of 60 t to 70 t, fully capable of handling larger vessels efficiently, TNPA points out.

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.

Tugboats are critical marine assets that enable the safe manoeuvring of vessels during pilotage operations.

“The arrival of this vessel on our shores brings to the fore the critical role South African 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 sub-Saharan Africa markets,” says TNPA acting CE Phyllis Difeto.

The Port of Ngqura features depths ranging from 16 m to 18 m and boasts deepwater berths, suited for container traffic and transshipment opportunities.

MSC Nicola Mastro surpasses the size of previous vessels that have docked at the Port of Ngqura, which were limited to 366 m in length.

Her on-time berthing was managed by a marine crew of about 24 members led by Marine Pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana, alongside the marine crew in tug services, pilotage and berthing.

Mtsewu-Sisilana 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, she began her maritime career in 2008 through a Transnet bursary and has recorded a major milestone in her career through this docking.

TNPA says it is gearing towards receiving more vessel call-ins of this calibre.

The vessel is scheduled to depart on July 5, following the completion of the cargo operation at the container terminal.