West Africa is rapidly becoming a strategic destination for ultra-large containerships, as rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope enables carriers to trial 24,000-TEU vessels in the region, reported London's Lloyd's List.

Long considered a secondary market, West Africa has seen a surge in containerised trade and infrastructure upgrades, with terminals now routinely handling ships above 20,000 TEU. Container Trades Statistics show box trade in the region has grown nearly 50 per cent in under a decade.

The turning point came in 2014 when Mediterranean Shipping Co, through Terminal Investment Limited and China Merchant Holdings, opened Lome Container Terminal in Togo. Designed for ultra-large tonnage, LCT became the cornerstone of MSC's regional strategy.

MSC shifted all Asia-West Africa calls to Lome, establishing a hub-and-spoke model. This move prompted Maersk and CMA CGM to follow suit, upgrading terminals in Tema, Abidjan, Pointe Noire, Kribi and Lekki to handle ships of 14,000 TEU and above.

The rerouting of Asia-Europe trade around the Cape of Good Hope allowed carriers to test West African ports with ad-hoc transshipment calls. Maersk trialled operations at Abidjan and Tema, citing their deep drafts and strategic location.

In April, MSC deployed 24,000-TEU ships on its Africa Express Service, calling Lome, Tema, Abidjan and Kribi. The arrival of MSC Diletta marked the first such call in West Africa, with sister ships now regular fixtures.

Lloyd's List Intelligence data shows MSC vessels arriving in Tema with drafts of 16 metres or more, near their operational limits. Analyst Darron Wadey said the deployment proves the region's readiness, with average vessel size now exceeding 21,000 TEU.

Maersk's Igor van den Essen said the trade pattern "works," but noted the future hinges on the reopening of the Suez Canal route.