MSC lands mega ships in West Africa marking a major trade milestone

WEST AFRICA – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has made history by becoming the first shipping line to send mega-large container vessels with a capacity of 24,000 TEU to West Africa.

This development reflects a growing shift in global trade routes and increased investment in African port infrastructure.

The two massive vessels, MSC DILETTA and MSC TÜRKIYE, arrived as part of MSC’s Africa Express service, which connects key regions in China and South Korea through Southeast Asia to Ghana, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon.

The MSC DILETTA made the first stop in Lomé, Togo on April 23. According to MSC, this milestone is set to raise West Africa’s position in global trade.

In a statement, MSC noted, “The arrival of the MSC DILETTA and MSC TÜRKIYE on the Africa Express service… signals a significant leap in West Africa’s port capabilities and holds the potential to positively alter the economic environment.”

Growing trade and stronger infrastructure

The decision to deploy these ships is driven by rising trade volumes between Asia and Africa. “The volume of business and trade between Asia and Africa, particularly West Africa, is experiencing rapid growth,” the statement said.

Larger ships help MSC meet this demand more efficiently. MSC also stated that the deployment shows its long-term support for Africa’s economic goals through improved infrastructure and trade connections.

Soren Toft, MSC’s CEO, echoed this during a recent interview at the Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan. “We are very keen on Africa. We are big believers in Africa,” said Toft. He pointed out that MSC is targeting double-digit growth in its inter-African business. This reflects a wider strategy to expand within the continent and improve connectivity between African nations.

Toft said trade within Africa is becoming more stable and more important. He also addressed the effect of ongoing tariffs between China and the United States, which have reduced direct trade between the two.

“There has, however, been a resurgence in trade from Southeast Asia, although it has not entirely offset the decrease in Chinese trade,” he added.

Policy, security and logistics

The Africa CEO Forum also explored what both governments and the private sector must do to improve trade. Toft stressed the need to simplify customs and paperwork to make trade within Africa smoother.

“Our investments are aimed at making African ports more efficient and enhancing the overall logistics infrastructure,” he said.

While piracy incidents have declined, Toft noted that safety at sea remains a concern. He said MSC continues to take precautionary measures to protect its crews and ships.

As these mega vessels become a regular feature on the African coast, West Africa could benefit from faster trade, better port services, and more stable supply chains.

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