MSC Müge Makes Inaugural Call in Chile After Transiting the Strait of Magellan

The container ship MSC Müge, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company, made its inaugural call at Terminal Pacífico Sur (TPS), in the Valparaíso Region, after sailing through the Strait of Magellan. The vessel arrived in Chile to join the NWC-USA-SAWC service, which connects Europe with South America.

The ship was built by New Times Shipyard and delivered in September 2025. It has a length overall of 335 meters, a beam of 46 meters, and a capacity of 11,400 TEU, with a deadweight of up to 131,000 tonnes and 18 container rows. It sails under the flag of Liberia, reaches a top speed of 20 knots, and is powered by a MAN B&W 6G90ME-C10.5-GI-EcoEGR engine delivering approximately 25,000 kW.

The MSC Müge berthed at Berth No. 1 of TPS, where it remained for approximately 24 hours and handled 1,865 containers, of which 945 were imports and 920 were exports. Before arriving in Valparaíso, the vessel had made its first Chilean port call at the Port of Coronel. According to TPS, this is the first of four vessels that will begin operating in the rotation of MSC's Alpaca service.

Although the NWC-USA-SAWC service typically routes through the Panama Canal, the MSC Müge arrived from Europe via the Atlantic and crossed the Strait of Magellan before calling at Coronel and Valparaíso. During its passage through Paso Tortuoso, one of the most challenging sections of the strait, the Chilean Navy deployed the general service vessel Punta Arenas as part of Operation Froward to ensure navigational safety.

After calling at TPS, the MSC Müge continues its route northward along the west coast of South America, bound for Terminal Portuario General San Martín in Pisco, Peru, operated under concession by Puerto de Paracas, where it is expected to arrive on Wednesday, October 14. The vessel will subsequently make two additional calls at Peruvian ports.