The port calls along the West Coast of Latin America by the container ship "MSC Chiyo," as part of the 'Andes' service, posed a significant logistical challenge for both MSC and the ports that served the vessel. With its dimensions of 366 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and 17 meters in draft, along with its 16,000 TEU capacity, it became the largest vessel serviced in many of the region's ports.

According to MSC, the dimensions of the "MSC Chiyo" are similar to others that have docked in the region previously. However, it surpasses the previous largest vessels by approximately 1,000 TEUs. Cargo stowage had to be arranged to ensure operability during unloading to accommodate the capabilities of the port terminals. 

"This type of vessel can be stowed to a height of 10 (10 containers stowed on deck), but since the terminal cranes do not reach that height adjustments were made at the ports of Lázaro Cárdenas and Rodman, which have taller cranes," explained the shipping line.

They also highlight that "the 'MSC Chiyo' presents us with a challenge that makes us grow in our work." In fact, for MSC's Planning Team, this arrival meant "operating the ship with the highest number of transported TEUs on our coast," and required coordination and planning of stowage, considering the 17 ports included in the vessel's itinerary, including, among others: Manzanillo (Mexico), Lázaro Cárdenas, Rodman, Buenaventura (Spia), Callao (APM Terminals), San Antonio (STI), Lirquen, and Coronel. "Each port has its characteristics, and we must take them into account to maximize each call, without wasting time or ship capacity," they point out.

In addition to ensuring proper port operations, the challenge was to keep the vessel within the itineraries, considering port closures that can affect various terminals and enabling navigation at a speed compliant with the new regulations of the IMO and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

The work carried out by the Planning Team opens the door to more frequent arrivals of vessels of this size, according to MSC, but considering the restrictions of each port in the region, especially draft and crane height limitations. They also take the opportunity to affirm that "this vessel highlights the infrastructure challenges in Latin America. We can continue to receive this type of ships, but draft and crane height limitations prevent us from using the vessel to its full capacity. 'MSC Chiyo' is the first of many vessels of similar dimensions that will continue to arrive on our coast, and we need to be prepared to operate them without restrictions."

Efficient Design

"MSC Chiyo" was constructed in 2023 with energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features. It features air lubrication systems on the hull and shaft generators to reduce navigation resistance and fuel consumption. It's equipped with a scrubber to comply with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements limiting sulfur content in fuel.

Furthermore, its structural design enhances maneuverability while also reducing energy consumption. Additionally, it operates with software that supports energy management and efficiency.