MSC IRINA makes historic South Asia debut at Vizhinjam Port

The world’s largest container ship by capacity, MSC IRINA, made its maiden call at Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday (9 June) morning. The vessel will remain berthed until Tuesday, marking a historic milestone for both the seaport and the South Asian region.

With an astounding capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), MSC IRINA exemplifies next-generation shipping. Spanning 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the vessel is nearly four times the length of a FIFA-regulation football field. This is the ship’s first visit to any port in South Asia, further underscoring the strategic significance of Vizhinjam in global maritime logistics.

The docking of MSC IRINA comes just weeks after the port was formally dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, reinforcing Vizhinjam’s readiness to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). Previously, the port welcomed other Icon-class vessels, including MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, demonstrating consistent growth in maritime capacity.

MSC IRINA was launched in March 2023 and commenced operations in April 2023. The vessel can stack containers up to 26 tiers high, enhancing its volume-handling capabilities. With an edge over its predecessor, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs, MSC IRINA is a significant advancement in container shipping.

Designed primarily for the high-volume Asia-Europe trade route, the ship embodies efficiency in long-haul transport. Its advanced architecture includes energy-saving systems that cut carbon emissions by up to 4%, aligning with global environmental and sustainability goals.

The vessel’s successful berthing at Vizhinjam is a powerful endorsement of the port’s deep-draft, all-weather capabilities. It also opens new opportunities for India’s position on global shipping routes, particularly those bridging Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Kerala Chief Minister welcomed the arrival of MSC IRINA with a note of pride, calling it a “historic moment” for the state and the region. “Her arrival at Vizhinjam marks a proud milestone that underscores our port’s strategic global role and galvanises our collective dream of growth.”

Karan Adani, CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, expressed pride at MSC IRINA’s arrival, stating, “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.”

This event signifies not just a logistical achievement but a broader step forward in India’s ambition to become a central node in global maritime commerce. The integration of ultra-large vessels like MSC IRINA into Indian ports heralds a new era in sustainable and scalable trade infrastructure.