The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala marked a historic milestone on Monday, June 9, 2025, with the arrival of the MSC IRINA, the world's largest container ship by capacity. The berthing process for the colossal vessel has commenced, signaling a new era for India's maritime ambitions.
MSC IRINA, recognized for its impressive Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) capacity of 24,346, is a formidable player in the global shipping arena. To put its size into perspective, the vessel measures 399.9 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width – approximately four times longer than a standard FIFA-designated football field. The ship is designed to stack containers up to 26 tiers high, showcasing its unparalleled cargo-handling capabilities.
The arrival of MSC IRINA at Vizhinjam International Seaport is particularly significant, considering the port was recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025. Managed by the Adani Group, Vizhinjam is strategically located just 10 nautical miles from the busiest east-west shipping lanes, connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and the Far East. This proximity to key trade routes gives Vizhinjam a distinct advantage over older Indian ports and positions it as a potential transshipment hub capable of competing with established players like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
Vizhinjam boasts a natural draft of 18 meters close to the shore, which negates the need for capital dredging and allows it to accommodate ultra-large, next-generation container ships requiring drafts of 20 meters or more. The port's curvilinear coast also helps mitigate tsunami impacts, while its location results in minimal erosion, further reducing maintenance costs.
MSC IRINA's design facilitates the transportation of large container volumes between Asia and Europe, enhancing trade routes and logistics efficiency. The ship incorporates energy-saving technologies that reduce carbon emissions by approximately 4%, setting a new standard for sustainable maritime practices. These features align with contemporary environmental standards and demonstrate a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of global shipping.
Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, expressed his pride in welcoming MSC IRINA to Vizhinjam, noting that it marks the vessel's maiden visit to South Asian shores. He emphasized that this is a milestone not only for Vizhinjam but also for India's emergence as a key player in global transshipment, calling it "a bold vision now in motion."
The docking of MSC IRINA signifies growing confidence in Vizhinjam's readiness to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). In recent weeks, the port has also welcomed other Icon-class vessels, including MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini. This series of visits underscores Vizhinjam's potential to evolve into a transshipment hub, reducing India's reliance on foreign ports and saving an estimated $220 million annually. Currently, nearly 75% of India's transshipment operations are conducted at ports in Singapore, Colombo, and Dubai. The development of Vizhinjam aims to bring this business back home, generating new economic opportunities for Kerala and the rest of India.
MSC IRINA, sailing under the Liberian flag, was launched in March 2023 and embarked on its maiden voyage in April of the same year. The ship's arrival at Vizhinjam is expected to significantly benefit India's maritime trade, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. It will not only accelerate exports and imports but also create new employment and investment opportunities locally, contributing to the success of initiatives like "Make in India" and "Revolution in Logistics." The successful berthing of the world's largest container ship at Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a decisive step towards India becoming a global maritime power.
