Vizhinjam Welcomes MSC IRINA, The World’s Largest Container Ship

In a defining moment for India’s maritime sector, the world’s largest container ship by TEU capacity, MSC IRINA, berthed at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Monday (9 June), ANI reported.

The vessel’s arrival marks a historic milestone for the recently inaugurated port, which was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 May.

Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company and flagged in Liberia, the MSC IRINA boasts a staggering capacity of 24,346 TEUs.

Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the ship is nearly four times the size of a FIFA-standard football pitch.

Designed to move vast container loads between Asia and Europe, it highlights Vizhinjam’s growing role in global trade logistics.

The port had recently received other Icon-class vessels, including MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, further bolstering its stature in the maritime network.

Launched in March 2023 and commencing its maiden voyage in April, MSC IRINA stands out not just for size but also for innovation.

It can stack containers up to 26 tiers high, and in a nod to sustainability, it incorporates energy-saving systems capable of reducing carbon emissions by up to 4 per cent. The vessel eclipses its predecessor, OOCL Spain, by 150 TEUs.

Managed by the Adani Group, Vizhinjam Port’s ability to host the MSC IRINA signals a broader transformation in India’s port infrastructure, positioning it as a strategic gateway on the Asia-Europe shipping corridor.

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