The arrival of the world's largest container ship, ‘MSC Irina,’ at Vizhinjam International Port in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marks a historic moment not only for India but also for global maritime transport.
Thiruvananthapuram: June 10, 2025, will be etched in golden letters in the annals of India's maritime trade history. On this day, the world's largest container vessel, 'MSC Irina,' berthed at India's Vizhinjam International Port for the first time. This arrival showcases the development of India's, and indeed South Asia's, maritime infrastructure and its capabilities on the global stage.
A Ship Four Times Larger Than a Football Field, Making History at the Port
Measuring 399.9 meters long and 61.3 meters wide, the 'MSC Irina' is an Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) capable of carrying 24,346 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) containers. TEU is a standard unit for measuring container capacity. The ship is approximately four times longer than a FIFA-regulation football field, highlighting its immense size.
Launched in March 2023 and commercially operational since April 2023, the 'MSC Irina' surpassed OOCL Spain to claim the title of the world's largest container ship.
A Historic Achievement for Vizhinjam Port
Located on the coast of Kerala, Vizhinjam Port, dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, has now become a first-class gateway in South Asia for handling ultra-large vessels. The 'MSC Irina's' arrival is evidence of India's growing ability to play a major role in global maritime transhipment.
Developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, this port has previously hosted large vessels like MSC Turkye and MSC Michel Capellini, but the arrival of the 'MSC Irina' is considered the most significant milestone yet.
Traditional Water Salute Welcomes the Vessel
At 8 am on Monday, as the 'MSC Irina' entered the Vizhinjam Port waters, it received a grand welcome with a traditional water cannon salute. Administrative officials, port staff, and the general public gathered in large numbers to witness this spectacle. This moment was not only a proud one for the port but also symbolized a new direction for India's commercial and strategic future.
MSC Irina: A Fusion of Technology and Strength
Registered under the Liberian flag, a notable feature of this ship is its ability to stack containers up to 26 tiers, making it unique in its class. Specifically designed for transporting massive quantities of goods between Asia and Europe, this vessel enhances logistics efficiency and opens new trade opportunities for countries like India.
On this occasion, Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports, stated, "We are proud that the world's largest container ship, 'MSC Irina,' is now on Indian soil. This is not just for Vizhinjam Port, but a historic moment for India's emergence as a global maritime hub." Karan Adani also mentioned that Vizhinjam Port will transform into Asia's leading transhipment hub in the coming years.
Its Significance for India
India's geographical location is at the center of crucial maritime routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Therefore, the development of deep-water ports like Vizhinjam and the arrival of massive vessels represent a significant step towards making India a logistics superpower. The port's depth, tide-free operations, and proximity to international shipping routes make it a b alternative to transhipment hubs like Singapore, Dubai, and Colombo.
