The world’s largest container ship, MSC Irina, docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday, creating a historic moment for India’s shipping industry. The vessel’s arrival is its maiden visit to a South Asian port. The MSC Irina, with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), docked at Vizhinjam on Monday morning and will remain berthed until Tuesday. This monumental event strengthens India’s position in the global transshipment landscape and marks Vizhinjam as a growing hub capable of handling Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
Karan Adani Applauds the Docking As A National Milestone
Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ, welcomed the MSC Irina with pride. In a post on X, he wrote, “Proud to welcome MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, to our Vizhinjam Port. This marks the vessel’s maiden visit to South Asian shores, making it a milestone not just for Vizhinjam but for India’s emergence as a key player in global transshipment. A bold vision now in motion.” The Adani Group described the arrival as a significant achievement for the port, which was recently dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025.
The MSC Irina stands as the largest container ship in the world by TEU capacity. It has a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, making it approximately four times longer than a standard FIFA football field. The vessel is engineered to handle large volumes of containers efficiently and is designed to strengthen trade routes between Asia and Europe. The arrival of MSC Irina highlights Vizhinjam Port’s capability to berth vessels of this magnitude, reinforcing India’s growing importance in the global maritime sector.
Vizhinjam’s Growing Role in Global Shipping
Vizhinjam Port has consistently demonstrated its capability to handle large vessels. It has previously welcomed Icon-class ships such as MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini. The arrival of MSC Irina further solidifies the port’s status as a significant node in international shipping. This development aligns with India’s strategy to enhance its port infrastructure and transshipment capacity, positioning Vizhinjam as a competitive alternative to other regional hubs.
Environmental Efficiency And Global Recognition
The MSC Irina, launched in March 2023 and operational since April 2023, stands as a marvel of modern shipping technology. The vessel is equipped with advanced energy-saving systems that significantly enhance operational efficiency. It is specifically designed to stack containers up to 26 tiers high, offering an unprecedented container stacking capacity. Surpassing the previous record-holder, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs, MSC Irina has set a new benchmark in global shipping. With its environmentally sustainable design, the ship successfully reduces carbon emissions by up to 4 per cent, making it a vital step towards promoting greener, more efficient international maritime trade.
(With Inputs From ANI)
