Photo Credit: The Hindu
In a monumental milestone for India’s maritime landscape, the world’s largest container ship, MSC Irina, is all set to make its South Asian debut at the newly inaugurated Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala. The arrival of this ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) not only puts Vizhinjam on the global shipping map but also underscores India’s growing role in the international logistics and supply chain ecosystem.
A Mega Ship Meets a Mega Port
With a staggering capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), MSC Irina is part of the “Jade” service operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), connecting China to Europe via the Cape of Good Hope. Measuring nearly 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width, the vessel boasts the ability to stack containers 26 tiers high and features cutting-edge energy efficiency systems that reduce emissions by up to 4%, highlighting the global shift towards sustainable shipping.
Vizhinjam, thanks to its natural draft depth of over 20 meters, is among the rare few ports in the world capable of handling vessels of this magnitude without extensive dredging. This makes it a strategic hub for transshipment operations, rivalling ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
A Homecoming for the Captain
Adding a personal touch to this historic event is Captain Willy Antony, a seasoned mariner from Thrissur, Kerala, who is commanding the MSC Irina during its first Indian call. Though crew members may not disembark due to international maritime protocols, port officials are expected to present a special memento to commemorate the occasion and honor the captain’s Kerala roots.
Operational Preparations in Full Swing
The vessel is currently anchored off the Vizhinjam coast, awaiting its turn to berth due to prior vessel schedules. The port team has geared up with four high-powered tugs — double the usual number — to safely dock the ship. This highlights both the complexity and significance of handling vessels of such enormous scale.
Once docked, the Irina will begin unloading transshipment containers, marking Vizhinjam’s transition from an infrastructural promise to a fully functional, world-class transshipment port.
Port of the Future
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, Vizhinjam International Seaport is India’s first deepwater transshipment terminal. The port’s strategic location near international shipping routes and its modern infrastructure have already attracted multiple large vessels like MSC Türkiye and MSC Claude Girardet, but the arrival of MSC Irina marks a new high.
In addition to its deepwater capabilities, the port is also preparing for rail connectivity via a dedicated freight tunnel, expected to be completed by 2028. This will further enhance cargo movement efficiency to the hinterlands of South India.
India’s Maritime Push Gets a Boost
The docking of MSC Irina is more than just a headline-grabbing event — it is a reflection of India’s aspirations to become a key player in the global maritime trade. With growing congestion at traditional transshipment hubs and rising freight costs, ports like Vizhinjam offer an alternative that is both efficient and geographically strategic.
By welcoming the world’s largest container vessel, Vizhinjam has sent out a strong message to the global shipping industry: India is ready, open, and capable of handling the world’s biggest trade ships.
