Malta Freeport Terminals proudly welcomed the MSC Benin, a state-of-the-art Neo-Panamax container ship built in 2025 by New Times Shipbuilding in China.
The vessel’s distinctive vertical windbreaker-style bow reduces drag, enhances fuel efficiency, and provides better handling in rough seas making it highly suited for long-distance voyages.
Equipped with a dual-fuel LNG engine, MSC Benin has been designed with performance, sustainability, and environmental responsibility in mind.
Built to meet stringent IMO standards, the ship delivers tangible operational benefits, especially during slow steaming, where reduced speeds help conserve fuel and cut emissions.
During its stop at Malta Freeport, the MSC Benin berthed at Terminal Two North, where four quay cranes completed 1,312 discharge operations and 1,426 container load moves.
The vessel operates on MSC’s California Service, which primarily transports refrigerated containers between South America and Europe.
Its rotation includes calls at Gioia Tauro, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Fos, Valencia, Sines, Panama, Rodman, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Los Angeles, Seattle, Oakland, Colon, Cristobal, Malta Freeport, and back to Gioia Tauro.
Measuring 260 meters long and 46 meters wide, with a capacity of 8,496 TEUs including 1,300 refrigerated plugs the MSC Benin represents the latest advances in shipbuilding technology.
