In a major boost to India’s maritime ambitions, the world’s largest container ship, MSC IRINA, arrived on Monday at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram. The berthing process of the massive vessel is currently underway at the newly inaugurated port.
With a record-breaking capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), MSC IRINA is officially the largest container ship in the world by capacity. The vessel measures 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, nearly four times the length of a FIFA-standard football field.
The arrival of MSC IRINA is a landmark event for the Adani Group-managed Vizhinjam Port, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. It underscores the port’s ability to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) and positions it as a vital node in the global maritime network.
Designed for high-capacity transit between Asia and Europe, MSC IRINA strengthens the efficiency of global trade routes. It is equipped to stack containers 26 tiers high, sails under the Liberian flag, and incorporates energy-efficient technologies that reduce carbon emissions by up to 4 per cent—a significant move toward greener shipping.
Launched in March 2023 and having completed its maiden voyage in April, the ship surpasses the previous record-holder OOCL Spain by 150 TEUs. Its arrival follows recent port calls by other mega-ships like MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, highlighting Vizhinjam’s rising profile in the international shipping industry.
The docking of MSC IRINA not only reflects the growing importance of Vizhinjam Seaport but also reinforces India’s emergence as a key player in the future of sustainable, high-volume maritime logistics.
