MSC IRINA, World’s Largest Container Ship, Docks at Vizhinjam International Seaport: A Defining Moment for India’s Maritime Trade


 Global Maritime Milestone Reached in Kerala

In a significant leap for India’s maritime infrastructure, the world’s largest container ship by capacity — MSC IRINA — has officially docked at the newly inaugurated Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The arrival of this Ultra-Large Container Vessel (ULCV) marks a historic moment for India’s logistics sector and signals Vizhinjam’s emergence as a global transshipment hub.

 About MSC IRINA: The Giant of the Seas

MSC IRINA is operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and is currently the largest container ship in the world by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity. Launched in March 2023 and on its maiden voyage since April 2023, the ship sails under the Liberian flag.

Key Specifications:

  • Capacity: 24,346 TEUs

  • Length: 399.9 metres

  • Width: 61.3 metres

  • Stacking Capability: Up to 26 container tiers high

  • Environmental Features: Built-in energy-saving technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions by up to 4%, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability.

MSC IRINA also surpasses the former record-holder, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs.


Vizhinjam Port: Rising Maritime Power

Managed by the Adani Group, Vizhinjam International Seaport was recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025. With the successful berthing of MSC IRINA, Vizhinjam has proven its capacity to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels, placing it firmly on the global logistics map.

The port has also received other high-capacity vessels like:

  • MSC Turkiye

  • MSC Michel Cappellini

These consistent arrivals underscore Vizhinjam's strategic value as a transshipment and cargo redistribution point, especially for Asia–Europe maritime routes.

Enhancing Trade Routes & Sustainability

MSC IRINA’s arrival is more than just a logistical achievement. The ship is specifically designed to strengthen Asia-Europe trade corridors, promoting efficient cargo movement at scale. Its eco-friendly engineering aligns with global goals for sustainable shipping, setting a new industry benchmark.

Strategic Significance for India

This docking reaffirms India’s potential to become a major player in global shipping. With Vizhinjam capable of receiving the largest vessels afloat today, the port:

  • Reduces dependency on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo and Singapore

  • Strengthens Make in India and Maritime India Vision 2030 initiatives

  • Enhances India’s stature in international trade and logistics

Conclusion

The successful berthing of MSC IRINA at Vizhinjam International Seaport is not merely a maritime feat but a strategic milestone for India’s economic and logistic ambitions. It represents a confluence of infrastructure excellence, technological advancement, and sustainable practices — all positioning India at the helm of the next generation of global maritime trade.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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