Tag / MSC

by Mike Poverello

World’s largest boxship delivered to MSC

Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has delivered the 24,116 TEU MSC Tessa, the world’s largest containership.

The delivery takes place as part of a four-vessel deal with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), worth around $600 million.

MSC Tessa is one of only a handful of ships to surpass the 24,000 TEU mark and is classed by DNV classification society.

According to the shipyard, vessels in the same class measure 1,312 feet in length, making them almost 200 feet longer than a typical aircraft carrier, with a beam of nearly 202 feet.

While the loading configuration varies slightly between different shipyards, all the vessels can stack containers up to 25 layers high.

The MSC Tessa uses air lubrication, reducing its energy consumption and carbon emissions by between 3 per cent and 4 per cent. It is also fitted with a hybrid scrubber, a small bulbous bow, large diameter propellers and energy-saving ducts.

The giant vessel will be calling at Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Felixstowe in Northern Europe, with a call at Tanger during the return trip, before proceeding to Singapore.

Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group reported that the second ship on order from the series has completed sea trials and that the third and fourth containerships are also under construction.

The Swiss-based container shipping giant has the largest order book in the industry with around 131 containerships on order, according to Alphaliner.

The ships are scheduled for delivery in 2023, with orders spread between Chinese and South Korean shipbuilding majors.

Upon completion, the 14 new Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) ordered by MSC will constitute one-third of the company’s current fleet, with a combined capacity of 1.7 million TEU.

Although the current ships run on conventional fuel, MSC is venturing into the use of more sustainable options, such as biofuels and LNG dual-fuel vessels. The company has already conducted tests with biofuels and plans to increase its usage in the near future.

Additionally, MSC has recently ordered its first ammonia-ready designs, which are being built in China.

Source: PortTechnology, article by Marghertia Bruno, dated 10 March 2023

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by Mike Poverello

MSC takes delivery of first Cargo Aircraft

MSC has taken the next step in developing its Air Cargo solution with the delivery of the first MSC-branded aircraft, built by Boeing and operated by Atlas Air. The B777-200 Freighter will fly on routes between China, the US, Mexico and Europe.

Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC, said: “Our customers need the option of air solutions, which is why we’re integrating this transportation mode to complement our extensive maritime and land cargo operations. The delivery of this first aircraft marks the start of our long-term investment in air cargo.”

Jannie Davel brings extensive air cargo experience, having worked in the sector for many years, most recently heading Delta’s commercial cargo operations, before joining MSC in 2022.

He said: “Since I started at MSC, I have spoken to numerous partners and customers right across the market and it is very clear that air cargo can enable a range of companies to meet their logistics needs. Flying adds options, speed, flexibility and reliability to supply chain management, and there are particular benefits for moving perishables, such as fruit and vegetables, pharmaceutical and other healthcare products and high-value goods. 

We are delighted to see the first of our MSC-branded aircraft take to the skies and we believe that MSC Air Cargo is developing from a solid foundation thanks to the reliable, ongoing support from our operating partner Atlas Air.”

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAWW), is supporting MSC on an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) basis. This aircraft is the first of four B777-200Fs in the pipeline, which are being placed on a long-term basis with MSC, providing dedicated capacity to support the ongoing development of the business.

The B777-200F twin-engine aircraft has been commended for its advanced fuel efficiency measures. It also has low maintenance and operating costs, and, with a range of 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 kilometres), it can fly further than any other aircraft in its class. It also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise sensitive airports around the globe.

by Mike Poverello

Durban Harbour – a Pictorial History from 1835 to the Present Day

Durban Harbour – Special Edition
Durban Harbour 1824
The Point Durban 1840
Treacherous rocks of the South Pier at the entrance to Durban harbour

During December 2013, I received a fabulous book from a business acquaintance. Titled ‘Durban Harbour’, this special souvenir issue tells the fascinating history of Durban Harbour from 1835 to the present day. It reveals the extraordinary engineering skills and resilience that shaped Durban harbour into the largest and busiest harbour on the African continent and a major player in Global trade.

Recently another milestone was achieved for Durban harbour with the arrival in Durban of the largest container ship to dock in South African waters the MSC Sola – a giant of 131,771 tons and capable of carrying 11,660 containers, with a length of three and a half rugby fields. The ship’s visit to Durban was as a result of the widening and deepening of the port in 2010. See post – Durban awaiting arrival of 11, 660 TEU container ship.

But the story of Durban as a viable deepwater port is weaved in rich history and as Durban harbour approaches its second century – it is also time to toast the entrepreneurs for their innovation and the workers, harbour pilots, tug and train crews who played such a vital part in the day to day operations of the harbour.

For more information regarding the publication, and details of purchasing it visit the author, Stuart Freedman’s website – History of Durban Harbour.

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by Mike Poverello

“Captain Phillips” lands Six Oscar Nominations

phillips-oscarsThe blockbuster film “Captain Phillips” has lived up to the hype, receiving a total of 6 Oscar Nominations including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for the first-time Somali actor who played the pirate leader, Muse.

“Captain Phillips”, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks, was released in October and tells the story of the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking in the Indian Ocean and subsequent kidnapping of the captain, Capt. Richard Phillips.

Perhaps the biggest talk of today is the nomination of Barkhad Abdi in the Best Support Actor category for his role as Muse, the leader of a band of Somali pirates who seized the MV Maersk Alabama. Born in Somalia and raised in Yemen, Abdi moved to the U.S. as a teenager and was living and working as a limo driver in Minnesota when he was cast for the role, his first acting job ever.

Tom Hanks, on the other, did not receive any nominations for his role as Captain Richard Phillips.

While the film has been the focus of some controversy over the Captain’s decision to sail close to the Somali coast, overall it has taken center stage in promoting a strong U.S. Merchant marine, not to mention hailed by critics.

“The courage shown by Captain Phillips and his crew during their ordeal is a shining example of the brave American mariners who receive the best training in the world,” said Tom Allegretti, Chairman of the American Maritime Partnership. “American mariners continually prepare for various operational challenges and are dedicated to the highest standards of safety and security. When it comes to the world-class training of America’s Merchant Marine, Captain Phillips and his crew are the rule rather than the exception.”

“Captain Phillips” also received four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Actor drama, Best Supporting Actor drama, Best Director and Best Picture, but failed to take home any awards last Sunday. Source: gCaptain.com