photo credit: MSC, https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/news/2025/may/msc-makes-history-as-mega-ships-arrive-in-west-africa,-poised-to-reshape-economic-landscape
MSC Introduces 24,000 TEU Ultra‑Large Vessels to West Africa Amid Red Sea Rerouting and Infrastructure Upgrades
In late April, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) initiated a historic shift in its Africa Express service by deploying two ultra‑large container vessels (ULCVs)—the MSC DILETTA and MSC TÜRKIYE, each nearly 400 meters in length and capable of carrying approximately 24,000 TEU—to major West African ports, including Lomé, Togo; Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Tema, Ghana; and Kribi, Cameroon.
The MSC DILETTA made its inaugural call at the Port of Lomé on April 23, marking the largest container ship ever to berth in West Africa. The MSC TÜRKIYE followed shortly, with both vessels sailing under Liberia flag registries and registering deadweights exceeding 230,000 tons
This deployment reflects a broader strategic realignment in response to heightened instability in the Red Sea, primarily due to recurrent Houthi militia attacks on commercial vessels since October 2023. Major carriers, including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag‑Lloyd, and others, have rerouted ships via the Cape of Good Hope to ensure crew safety and operational continuity. Industry projections suggest that these alternative passages will remain in effect well into mid‑2025.
By rerouting its ULCVs along the African coast, MSC is embracing longer voyages as part of a long‑term strategy rather than a temporary workaround. This commitment is underscored by the decision to base such large vessels in West Africa, optimizing economies of scale and reinforcing service reliability. West African ports have responded swiftly to this shift. Lomé Container Terminal has undergone significant upgrades, including deepened channels, expanded berths, and improved cargo handling systems, enabling it to process over 2 million TEU annually and rival Mediterranean ports in operational capacity.
Similar investments are underway in Abidjan, Tema, and Kribi, aligning with national efforts to enhance regional logistics and support Africa’s growing import‑export markets. This deployment is also a response to strong growth in Asia–West Africa trade, particularly with China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. The shift to ULCVs enables reduced per‑container costs, higher vessel utilization, and more consistent scheduling. Economic analysts highlight that larger ships reduce transit time and logistical complexity, emblematic of MSC’s long‑term strategy to support Africa’s economic integration and trade diversification.
The trend toward ultra‑large vessels in West Africa sets in motion several developments. First, it signals the importance of resilience in global logistics networks, prompting carriers to explore alternative routes and robust infrastructure in emerging markets. Second, it affords local economies significant benefits: enhanced port revenues, expanded employment in logistics, and improved market connectivity for landlocked West African countries. Lastly, the deployment may inspire further investment in hinterland transportation systems, free trade zones, and regulatory frameworks supporting maritime trade.
Despite these gains, the region must address key operational challenges. Not all ports are currently equipped for ULCVs, and further upgrades will be necessary. Customs procedures, inland transport corridors, and regulatory harmonization also require alignment to sustain efficient operations. Security remains a concern, though maritime incidents in West Africa are currently lower than in the Red Sea. Ongoing vigilance and enhanced maritime domain awareness will be crucial to secure emerging trade routes.
MSC’s introduction of 24,000 TEU ULCVs signals a transformation—West Africa is no longer a peripheral stop, but a strategically important global hub. With upgraded ports, strong trade growth, and companies committed to diversified routing, the region is poised to become an integral node in the future of maritime logistics. As carriers adapt to geopolitical volatility, West Africa stands to gain lasting economic and logistical prominence.
