MSC Irina, world’s largest container ship, to make maiden South Asia stop at Vizhinjam port

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to mark an important milestone as MSC IRINA, the world’s largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is scheduled to dock at the port on Monday morning, making it the vessel’s first-ever visit to a South Asian port. The ship will remain berthed until Tuesday.

This comes just a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the port and dedicated it to the nation, on May 2. It underscores Vizhinjam port’s rising stature in global maritime trade.

Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), MSC IRINA boasts a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, edging out the previous record-holder OOCL Spain by 150 TEUs. Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the vessel is nearly four times the length of a FIFA football field and is designed to handle massive cargo volumes between Asia and Europe.

The Liberian-flagged ship, which was launched in March 2023 and is on its maiden voyage since April, features cutting-edge energy-saving technologies that are expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%, aligning with global sustainability goals.

MSC IRINA is capable of stacking containers up to 26 tiers high, offering unparalleled container-handling capacity. Its visit is a testament to Vizhinjam’s growing capability to accommodate Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). The port has recently hosted other Icon-class vessels such as MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, building its reputation as a critical node in international logistics.

“This vessel will be making its maiden visit to a South Asian port, highlighting Vizhinjam's capabilities in handling Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). The port has recently welcomed other Icon-class vessels, including MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, further establishing its reputation as a key hub in maritime trade,” the government said in a statement.

“The docking of the MSC IRINA at Vizhinjam International Seaport not only underscores the port's strategic importance in global shipping but also represents a leap forward in sustainable maritime practices, setting a benchmark for future developments in the industry,” the statement added.