Port of Santos receives the largest ship in its history: MSC Natasha XIII marks a historic milestone in Brazilian logistics
The Port of Santos, considered the largest port in the southern hemisphere, celebrated a historic milestone this February 1st, with the arrival of MSC Natasha XIII. This ship, measuring an imposing 366 meters in length, is the first of its magnitude to dock at the Santos port facilities, marking a new era in Brazilian port logistics.
Built in 2018, MSC Natasha XIII is a true masterpiece of maritime engineering, boasting an impressive capacity to transport up to 14,432 TEUs in a single voyage. Its docking at BTP (Brasil Port Terminal) not only sets a new size record, but also represents a moment of collaboration and fulfillment for everyone involved in this monumental undertaking.
Until then, the largest ship to sail the seas and dock in Santos had been the CMA CGM Vela, in October 2022, with its respectable 347 meters in length and capacity for 11 thousand TEUs. However, the arrival of MSC Natasha XIII surpasses this previous milestone, demonstrating a significant advance in port infrastructure and the capacity to accommodate large vessels.
The president of the Santos Port Authority (APS), Anderson Pomini, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement of this historic feat, highlighting the fundamental role of all sectors involved, from the port authorities to the companies responsible for port operations. Pomini highlighted that the arrival of 366 meter ships represents not only an achievement for the Port of Santos, but also a significant step towards improving Brazilian port infrastructure.
MSC, one of the world’s leading maritime operators, also celebrated the occasion, recognizing the collective effort required to make the docking of MSC Natasha XIII in Santos possible. The company highlighted its commitment to contributing to the development of Brazilian foreign trade, offering transport capacity and promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in its operations.
In turn, Brasil Terminal Portuário (BTP) emphasized the world-class infrastructure of the Santos port complex, highlighting its ability to receive and operate large ships efficiently and safely. The arrival of MSC Natasha XIII represents not only a milestone for the Port of Santos, but also a validation of BTP’s continued investment in infrastructure and technology.
After its stop in Santos, MSC Natasha XIII will continue its journey to Asia, taking with it not only containers loaded with goods, but also the pride of having been part of a historic moment for the Port of Santos and the entire Brazilian port community.
MSC Natasha XIII technical specifications:
Year of construction: 2018
Loading capacity: 14,432 TEUs
LOA: 366 meters
Beam: 48.20 meters
DWT: 139.7 thousand tons
Number of sockets for refrigerated containers: 1,050