South Africa’s maritime sector marked a historic moment as the MSC Nicola Mastro, one of the largest container vessels in the world, made her maiden call at the Port of Ngqura on Thursday, July 3rd — setting a new benchmark in the country’s port-handling capabilities.
Measuring an impressive 400 metres in length and 61.5 metres in width, the vessel’s arrival was a complex and meticulously coordinated operation led by Marine Pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana.
A former Transnet bursary recipient hailing from Qanda village near eXesi in the Eastern Cape, Mtsewu-Sisilana’s role in guiding the colossal ship into port was a proud personal and professional milestone.
“To bring in a vessel of this magnitude safely is an achievement that reflects years of training and experience,” said one senior port official involved in the operation.
To manage the berthing of the MSC Nicola Mastro, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) deployed four tugboats — double the standard number — sourced from both the Port of Ngqura and nearby Port Elizabeth.
Each tugboat delivered a bollard pull of between 60 and 70 tonnes, essential for manoeuvring the vessel, which far exceeds the port’s previous docking length limit of 366 metres.
The operation brought together a highly skilled team, including Harbour Masters, Marine Engineers, Tug Masters, Shorehands, Vessel Traffic Controllers, and Berthing Masters.
Working in tandem, they coordinated the delicate task of moving the vessel from anchorage to a secure berth at the quay.
The arrival of the MSC Nicola Mastro signals a new chapter for South Africa’s shipping infrastructure, reinforcing Ngqura’s position as a world-class deepwater port capable of accommodating the growing demands of global maritime trade.
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