Historic Arrival: Vizhinjam Port Welcomes the World's Largest Container Ship

Image Credits: VizhinjamInternationalSeaport/X
A recent publication by NDTV highlights a notable event in the shipping industry: the MSC Irina, currently the largest container ship in the world, made it’s inaugural stop at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on June 9, 2025. this marks a historic moment as it is the first time this colossal vessel has docked at a port in South Asia.

The ship will be stationed at Vizhinjam until June 10. This occasion also celebrates a pivotal achievement for the newly opened port, which was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2 of this year.

Operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), MSC Irina boasts an remarkable capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), surpassing its predecessor OOCL Spain by just over 150 TEUs. With dimensions reaching nearly 400 meters long and over 61 meters wide—almost four times longer than an Olympic swimming pool—it’s designed too stack containers up to an astonishing height of 26 tiers.

Image Credits: VizhinjamInternationalSeaport/X
Launched in March and embarking on its maiden voyage just a month later,this Liberian-flagged giant is not only notable for its size but also for its commitment to sustainability. According to MSC’s data, innovative energy-saving technologies onboard can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 4%, aligning with contemporary environmental goals.

The arrival of MSC Irina signifies more than just another large vessel docking; it underscores Vizhinjam’s emerging role on international shipping routes. Since commencing trial operations in July and transitioning to full commercial activity by December last year, the port has successfully managed operations involving over 349 vessels and processed around 733,000 containers.Vizhinjam has also recently seen visits from other sizable ships like MSC michel Cappellini and MSC Türkiye from MSC’s Icon-class fleet. These arrivals are crucial as they enhance Vizhinjam’s reputation as a vital transshipment hub within the Indian Ocean region.Experts believe that MSC Irina’s visit serves as strong evidence of Vizhinjam’s capability to meet future maritime demands while showcasing India’s expanding influence within global container shipping logistics.