It is not every day that a lady from the small Qanda village of eXesi, in the rural Eastern Cape, gets to navigate a 400 m behemoth ship into the Port of Ngqura..
This is precisely what Pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana did on the 3rd of July 2025 when she berthed the MSC Nicola Mastro, an Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) measuring 400 m with a beam of 61 m and a designed carrying capacity of 24,116 TEUs..
The MSC Nicola Mastro called at the Port of Ngqura as part of MSC’s Africa Express between Asia and Africa marking a proud milestone not just for Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), but for the entire maritime sector in South Africa..
The successful maiden voyage and berthing of this 400-meter-long Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) at Ngqura is as a testament to South Africa’s growing capability to handle the biggest ships trading globally.. It is a clear signal that the country’s ports can and will compete on the world stage..
A team effort worth celebrating
TNPA’s team in Ngqura deserves particular recognition for the meticulous planning and professional execution that made this achievement possible..
From the marine pilot who expertly guided the giant vessel into port, supported by a 4-tug crew from the Ports of Port Elizabeth and Ngqura, to the tug masters, berthing crews, and the entire port operations team, this was a masterclass in coordination and skill..
TNPA lauded this milestone stating “The team involved in this operation includes Harbour Masters, Vessel Traffic Controllers, a Marine Pilot, Tug Masters, Marine Engineers, Berthing Masters, Shorehands, and General-Purpose Rating crew.
This skilled group of mariners ensured the safe movement of the vessel from anchorage to mooring her alongside the quay. This complex manoeuvre required meticulous planning and execution, showcasing the expertise and skills of our mariners.”
It is always encouraging to see such public acknowledgment of the people who make our ports work.. They truly are the unsung heroes behind trade, jobs, and economic growth..
This achievement also lends credence to the words of Capt.Salvatore Sarno who said in his Executive Insights interview with Shipping and Freight Resource, “South African port workers are second to none with a very good spirit. They are very very skilled and capable.”
Commenting on the event, Program Director Innocentia Motau (CEO, Shosholoza Operations) said “I would like to extend a special appreciation to the exceptional team at Transnet, particularly to Captain Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana, the skilled female pilot who safely navigated the MSC Nicole Mastro into the Port of Ngqura.
Her expertise and dedication are a shining example of the important role women are playing in shaping our maritime industry, breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space.
We celebrate not only this remarkable achievement but also Transnet’s commitment to empowering women in key roles.”
A port ready for the future
This successful call is more than a photo opportunity – it is proof of Ngqura’s strategic importance as a deep-water, modern container port able to handle next-generation vessels..
ULCVs like this are designed to move thousands of containers in a single voyage, improving economies of scale and lowering per-unit transport costs.. For shippers and cargo owners, that can mean more competitive options on key trade routes, especially between Asia, Africa, and Europe..
Ngqura was purpose-built as a deep-water container terminal to serve not only South Africa’s needs but also to act as a transshipment hub for the Southern African region the handling of such vessels will strengthen its role as a transshipment hub for Southern Africa and the wider region..
A positive signal for trade and growth
At a time when shipping and logistics sectors are under pressure – with global uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and port congestion in other parts of the world – this success story is a welcome reminder of South Africa’s potential..
It shows what can be achieved with investment in port infrastructure, skills development, and operational excellence..
It also sends a clear message to shipping lines and global trade partners: South African ports are open for business and ready for the biggest vessels on earth..
Looking ahead
While one call does not solve every challenge facing the country’s ports, it sets a benchmark for what is possible..
Let us hope this achievement at Ngqura inspires even greater collaboration across the port and shipping community – from port authorities and terminal operators to shipping lines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners..
By working together and investing in capability, we can build a world-class, competitive, and resilient maritime gateway that truly supports South Africa’s economic ambitions..
Calls like these highlight the capabilities of South Africa’s ports and will surely help in achieving the targets set by the Minister of Transport Ms.Barbara Creecy, at the recently opened Southern African Transport Conference and Transnet’s revitalisation programs announced by Michelle Phillips, CEO of Transnet..
Congratulations again to everyone involved in this historic moment at Ngqura, and here’s to many more successful calls by these ULCVs in South African waters..
