The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is docked at the Vizhinjam International Seaport. It will remain berthed until Tuesday.
This arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2.
The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. Measuring 399.9 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width, the vessel is approximately four times longer than a standard FIFA-designated football field.
Specifically designed to facilitate the transportation of large volumes of containers between Asia and Europe, the MSC IRINA plays a crucial role in enhancing trade routes and logistical efficiency.
This vessel makes its maiden visit to a South Asian port, highlighting Vizhinjam's capabilities in handling Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). The port has recently welcomed other Icon-class vessels, including MSC Türkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini, further establishing its reputation as a key hub in maritime trade.
The ship has a Kerala connection; its Master-in-Command is Captain Willy Antony, a Malayali who hails from Thrissur. He heads a 35-member crew.
The MSC IRINA reached the outer anchorage of Vizhinjam port last Tuesday. Since there was a long queue of six ships at the port, MSC IRINA shut off its engine and drifted off Vizhinjam outer port limits and remained there for few days.
The MSC IRINA was launched in March 2023 and embarked on its maiden voyage in April of the same year. It is engineered to stack containers up to 26 tiers high, offering unparalleled capacity in container stacking.
Notably, the MSC IRINA surpasses its predecessor, the OOCL Spain, by a margin of 150 TEUs. In line with contemporary environmental standards, the vessel is equipped with energy-saving features that contribute to a 4% reduction in carbon emissions, significantly lowering its carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. The docking of the MSC IRINA at the Vizhinjam International Seaport not only underscores the port's strategic importance in global shipping but also represents a leap forward in sustainable maritime practices, setting a benchmark for future developments in the industry.
Welcoming the ship, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) Karan Adani tweeted, “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 South Asian shores, making it a milestone not just for Vizhinjam, but for India’s emergence as a key player in global transhipment. A bold vision now in motion."
- MSC IRINA is the world’s largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity.
- MSC IRINA’s capacity is 24,346 TEUs.
- MSC IRINA’s length is 399.9 meters and its width is 61.3 meters.
- MSC IRINA’s length is approximately four times that of a FIFA-designated football field.
