Vizhinjam Port Hosts World’s Biggest Container Vessel, MSC IRINA

Boasting a massive capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), MSC IRINA leads the class of next-generation shipping giants

In a major milestone for India's maritime infrastructure, the MSC IRINA, the world’s largest container ship by capacity, docked at the Adani Group-operated Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday. The vessel, which will remain berthed until Tuesday, underscores Vizhinjam’s readiness to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) and its growing prominence in global maritime trade.

A New Era in Container Shipping

Boasting a massive capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), MSC IRINA leads the class of next-generation shipping giants. At nearly 400 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the ship stretches almost four times the length of a FIFA-standard football field. It was specially designed to optimize cargo transport between Asia and Europe, enhancing supply chain efficiency along key international trade corridors.

The vessel was launched in March 2023 and completed its maiden journey in April of the same year. Registered under the Liberian flag, MSC IRINA surpasses the previous record-holder, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs in capacity. It also features an impressive container stacking capability, up to 26 tiers, maximising load efficiency.

Strategic Leap For Vizhinjam Port

The docking of MSC IRINA follows closely on the heels of Vizhinjam’s official dedication to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The port, developed and managed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, has rapidly gained global recognition, previously hosting other large-class ships like MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini.

Pioneering Sustainability In Shipping

Apart from its enormous scale, MSC IRINA is designed with sustainability at its core. The vessel is equipped with cutting-edge energy-saving technologies, allowing it to reduce carbon emissions by up to 4 per cent. This aligns with the global push towards greener maritime operations and places Vizhinjam on the map as a destination for future-ready vessels.

The historic arrival of MSC IRINA not only marks a technological and logistical achievement for Indian port operations but also signals a transformative moment for Vizhinjam as it positions itself as a key node in global trade networks and sustainable shipping.