Historic: 400-Meter Vessel berths at MPS Terminal 3

 In a landmark moment for maritime trade in West Africa, the Meridian Port Services (MPS)  Terminal 3 at the Port of Tema has successfully received one of the world’s largest container ships, the 400-meter-long – the size of four football fields, MSC DILETTA.

Arriving on the morning of Sunday, April 20, 2025, from Vizhinjam, India, this historic call marks a significant step forward in positioning Tema as a major transshipment and trade hub along the West African coast.

Measuring 400 metres in length overall, with a gross tonnage of 228,786 and a beam of 61 metres, MSC DILETTA, now holds the record as the largest ship ever received by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

With a draft of 16 meters and a beam of 61 meters, the MSC DILETTA is the largest vessel ever to berth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its arrival underscores the advanced infrastructure and capacity of MPS Terminal 3, purpose-built to accommodate vessels of this scale. The vessel was guided safely into berth with pilotage support from a highly skilled team of marine pilots.

By deploying vessels of this magnitude, MSC affirms its commitment to economic development of the sub-region and consolidates its role as a leading logistics partner in Africa. This strategic initiative embodies a clear vision: to connect Africa to the rest of the world through MSC’s extensive maritime and terrestrial network, which enables the provision of door-to-door solutions, ensuring smooth and efficient logistics across the continent.

“This is a turning point for West African trade infrastructure,” said Garmy Sy, Managing Director of MSC Ghana adding, “the arrival of 24,000 TEU vessels signals our readiness to scale operations, enhance intra-African and global connectivity, and meet the continent’s growing demand with efficiency and sustainability at the core.”

The MSC DILETTA operates on the Africa Express Service, a dedicated maritime service operated by MSC that links major ports in Asia and West Africa. Since its inception, the service has steadily optimised transit times and expanded its port network.

MPS Terminal 3 is the first port of call on this service, delivering faster turnaround and direct connections between Ghana, the Far East, and Southeast Asia. Prior to docking in Tema, the MSC DILETTA made port calls in Shanghai, Nansha, Shekou, Vungtau, Singapore, and Vizhinjam International Seaport. It completed the voyage to Tema in just 17 days, surpassing the typical 21-day transit time from Asia, a notable achievement in shipping efficiency.

This development aligns closely with the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), providing critical infrastructure to support intra-African trade and broader economic integration. The arrival of MSC DILETTA is more than a milestone; it is a signal of West Africa’s growing stature in global maritime trade.

In a remarkable feat of maritime expertise, Ghana’s Marine Pilots have successfully berthed one of the world’s largest container vessels at Tema Port, marking a historic milestone in the country’s port operations and reinforcing Tema Port’s position as a premier shipping hub in West Africa, capable of handling some of the largest vessels in global trade.

 

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