In a remarkable feat of maritime expertise, Ghana’s Marine Pilots have successfully berthed one of the world’s largest container vessels at Tema Port, marking a historic milestone in the country’s port operations.
The colossal vessel, MSC Diletta, arrived at Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3 on the morning of Sunday, April 20, 2025, from Vizhinjam, India. Measuring 400 metres in length overall, with a gross tonnage of 228,786 and a beam of 61 metres, MSC Diletta now holds the record as the largest ship ever received by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
This landmark operation was executed by the Marine Department of GPHA, under the leadership of Harbour Master Captain Bramuel Tawiah. The vessel was guided safely into berth with pilotage support from a highly skilled team of marine pilots including Captains Fredrick Eshun, Bernard Kuwornu, Nathan Quaye, Eyram Amegashie, Frank Annan, and Daniel Nii Armah Attoh.
Handling a ship of this scale demands a high level of precision, coordination, and situational awareness. The pilots worked in seamless collaboration with the ship’s crew and tug operators to navigate the vessel into its assigned berth. The mooring team played a critical role by advising the pilots on the ship’s position to ensure a flawless alignment and secure docking.
Every movement during the operation was calculated, with constant adjustments to accommodate the vessel’s immense dimensions and mass. The successful docking highlights not only the technical expertise of Ghana’s Marine Pilots but also the readiness of Tema Port to accommodate ultra-large container ships.
Captain Mercurio, Master of the MSC Diletta, expressed profound gratitude to the GPHA pilots and terminal team for a safe and efficient maneuver.
This accomplishment marks a significant stride in Ghana’s maritime industry and reinforces Tema Port’s position as a premier shipping hub in West Africa, capable of handling some of the largest vessels in global trade.
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