World's largest container ship docks at Vizhinjam in first South Asian call

The MSC IRINA, the world’s largest container ship by Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) capacity, arrived at Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday morning, marking its maiden call at a South Asian port. The vessel will remain berthed at the port until Tuesday, underscoring Vizhinjam’s growing prominence in handling Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

This significant docking represents a major milestone for the port and India’s maritime infrastructure. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, underscoring its scale and importance in global trade logistics. A Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, or TEU, is the standard unit used to measure a ship’s cargo capacity. It refers to a single 20-foot-long container, the most commonly used size in global shipping. A 40-foot container, by comparison, equals 2 TEUs. The MSC IRINA’s full capacity, therefore, means it can carry the equivalent of 24,346 standard 20-foot containers at one time.

The arrival of the MSC IRINA represents a significant milestone for the Vizhinjam seaport. With a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, the ship stands out as one of the most formidable vessels in global shipping. Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in width, it is nearly four times the length of a standard FIFA-designated football field.

Built to transport large volumes of cargo between Asia and Europe, the MSC IRINA plays a crucial role in enhancing trade connectivity and improving logistical efficiency. The vessel sails under the Liberian flag and is designed to stack containers up to 26 tiers high, offering exceptional volume and vertical capacity in global maritime logistics.

Launched in March 2023 and commencing its maiden voyage in April of the same year, the MSC IRINA joins other Icon-class vessels such as MSC Trkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini that have recently berthed at Vizhinjam. These arrivals further consolidate the port’s status as a strategic hub in international maritime trade.