The Vizhinjam International Seaport successfully berthed MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship by capacity, reaffirming the port’s growing stature in global transshipment logistics. The MSC Irina, with a colossal capacity of 24,346 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), arrived at the port on Monday morning, marking its maiden call to South Asia. Measuring an imposing 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in beam, the vessel is engineered for high-efficiency container stacking, boasting 26 tiers in height and pushing the limits of what modern seafaring logistics can achieve.
This milestone comes only weeks after the port was officially inaugurated and opened for commercial operations, having handled over 7.33 lakh containers and 349 vessels since its trial phase began in July 2024. The arrival of MSC Irina not only signals confidence in India’s port infrastructure but also positions Vizhinjam as a major node in Asia’s containerised cargo movement. Built with sustainability at its core, the MSC Irina integrates advanced fuel-efficiency systems, including energy-saving hull designs and next-generation propulsion mechanisms. These features collectively reduce its carbon emissions by up to 4%, aligning with global targets for greener maritime transport. Such vessels embody a shift in industry priorities where size and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive.
The vessel sails under the Liberian flag and was launched in early 2023. It began its service with a maiden voyage in April the same year, instantly becoming a symbol of scale, efficiency and low-emission transport. It surpasses its predecessor, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs, an engineering feat in itself. Vizhinjam’s ability to berth ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) like MSC Irina is no small feat. Strategically located near international shipping lanes and designed with a natural draft depth of over 20 metres, the port has been quietly transforming into one of the most future-ready maritime terminals in the Indian Ocean. The seaport is also developing a reputation for receiving next-generation vessels. Ships such as MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini have previously made successful calls at the port, reinforcing its operational reliability and international appeal. What sets Vizhinjam apart is its focus on sustainable and inclusive urban logistics.
Designed with eco-conscious practices, the port development also considers long-term goals of building carbon-neutral cities and resilient supply chains. This aligns well with India’s ambition to become a logistics superpower while prioritising environmental stewardship. For the people of Kerala and stakeholders in the shipping industry, MSC Irina’s arrival signals the dawn of a transformative era—one where India doesn’t just participate in global trade but begins to shape its future. While challenges remain in terms of scaling allied infrastructure and ensuring equitable development around the port region, the docking of the world’s largest cargo vessel offers a compelling proof-of-concept. Vizhinjam has arrived—not just as a port, but as a symbol of what sustainable growth in 21st-century logistics should look like.
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