World's Largest Container Ship MSC IRINA Makes Historic Docking at Vizhinjam Port
- MSC IRINA, world’s largest container ship, docks at Vizhinjam Port.
- First South Asian stop, boosting India’s global maritime standing.
- Ship has 24,346 TEU capacity and eco-friendly features.
In a historic moment for India’s maritime sector, the MSC IRINA the world’s largest container ship by TEU capacity docked at the Adani Group’s Vizhinjam International Seaport. The vessel will remain berthed until Tuesday, marking its maiden visit to a South Asian port and cementing Vizhinjam’s growing stature as a global shipping hub.
With a staggering capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), MSC IRINA stands as a giant in global trade logistics. Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the vessel is nearly four times the length of a FIFA-standard football field. Launched in March 2023 and flagged in Liberia, the ship is specially designed to transport massive container volumes along Asia-Europe trade routes.
The docking of MSC IRINA follows closely on the heels of the port’s dedication to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. Vizhinjam, developed and operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, has already hosted other Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) such as MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, signaling its readiness for high-capacity maritime operations.
MSC IRINA outpaces its predecessor, OOCL Spain, by an additional 150 TEUs and is capable of stacking containers up to 26 tiers high. Besides its immense capacity, the vessel also adheres to modern environmental benchmarks. It features energy-saving technologies that cut carbon emissions by up to 4 per cent, aligning with the shipping industry’s push toward sustainability.
The arrival of MSC IRINA not only highlights Vizhinjam’s infrastructural prowess but also positions India as a significant player in global container shipping. It sets a benchmark for eco-friendly and efficient maritime logistics in the region.
