MSC IRINA docks at Vizhinjam: World's largest container ship gets water salute; major boost for India's new deep water port

NEW DELHI: The world's largest container ship by capacity, MSC IRINA, docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday morning. Its arrival marks a significant milestone for the newly inaugurated India's first deep water port, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2.The vessel arrived at Vizhinjam port at 8 am and was welcomed with a traditional water salute. The ship will remain docked until Tuesday, according to port authorities.The massive MSC IRINA, with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), reflects the growing scale of global trade and India's rising role in international commerce, according to news agency PTI.Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, the ship is nearly four times longer than a standard FIFA football field, according to a port statement.

Sharing a post on X, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani ports and SEZ Ltd, said, "Proud to welcome MSC Irina, the world's largest container ship with a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, to our Vizhinjam port.""This marks the vessel's maiden visit to the South Asian shores, making it a milestone not just for Vizhinjam but for India's emergence as a key player in global transshipment. A bold vision now in motion," he added.The MSC IRINA, specifically constructed for transporting large container volumes between Asia and Europe, plays a crucial role in optimising trade routes and logistics efficiency.

Built with eco-friendly technology, the ship includes energy-saving systems that reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%, helping lower its environmental impact without compromising efficiency.Its arrival at Vizhinjam International Seaport highlights the port's growing global significance and marks a step forward in promoting greener shipping practices, the release noted.This inaugural visit to a South Asian port showcases Vizhinjam's ability to accommodate Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

The port has recently serviced other Icon-class vessels, including MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, strengthening its position in maritime commerce.The MSC IRINA began operations in March 2023, with its first journey commencing in April 2023. The vessel can stack containers 26 tiers high, providing exceptional storage capacity. The MSC IRINA, now the world’s largest container ship, is 150 TEUs larger than the previous record-holder, OOCL Spain.